The varsity football team suffered their first disappointing loss of the 2017 season with a 16-10 defeat to Clemens. Both the team and Clemens came in seeking a stout 7-0 record on the year and 4-0 in district play. High anticipation for the game was set throughout the past week as Clemens was coming off a 28-7 win against Canyon and the Rangers off a 35-15 win against Wagner.

The team received the ball first to start off the game, but were stopped by the Buffalo’s defense on their opening drive. The Buffalos hit the scoreboard first with a 1 yard rushing touchdown by senior workhorse Marshawn Brown in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The team answered back with multiple defensive stops and an interception by senior athletic Mason Pierce, before the first quarter of play came to a close with Clemens up 7-0.

The Buffalos continued to extend their lead with a 6 yard receiving touchdown by senior tight end Peyton McDowall. Both teams continued to battle it out on the turf by exchanging interceptions in the final seconds of the first half with Clemens leading 13-0 as the players headed to the locker room.

The team scored first in the second half on a 23 yard field goal by junior kicker Mason Reid. Senior standout Trevon Moehrig-Woodard scored on the first play of the fourth quarter with a 3 yard rushing touchdown, closing Clemens’ lead to 13-10. The team’s momentum soon came to a close as they were stopped by the Buffalos defense in the closing minutes of the game. Clemens scored once more on a 24 yard field goal to seal a 7-0 record on the season.

The team will battle Canyon next on Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cougar den.