Pickoffs help Bucs tie Cleveland 0-0

Boyd-Buchanan, expected to be among the state's top Class 2A football teams, played Class 5A power Cleveland to a scoreless stalemate in the Best of Preps high school jamboree Friday at Finley Stadium and missed a possible win when a 34-yard field-goal try sailed wide right.

The Buccaneers picked off two passes from University of Pittsburgh commitment Chad Voytik, who's ranked among the nation's top 10 quarterback prospects.

"It was a great opportunity to play a great team, and our kids rose to the challenge," Bucs coach Grant Reynolds said.

"I would not have expected us to throw two picks," Cleveland coach E.K. Slaughter said. "I'll shoulder the responsibility, though. One of those plays I knew I shouldn't have called, and the other one I drew up in the dirt."

Cleveland moved the ball with its running game on its first possession, and Boyd-Buchanan consistently moved via the run as quarterback Jim Cardwell didn't play because of a slight shoulder injury.

Sophomore running back John Hale picked up 83 yards on five carries.

"That's the good thing about John Hale and Chase [Reed]," Reynolds said. "They're both very good running backs, and John had the hot hand tonight. We lost a couple of guys up front, but the offensive line did a good job. They're coming together."

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