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Undefeated Boyd Buchanan’s monster second half tops list of prep football surprises

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ Boyd Buchanan defenders K'Leb Crowder (1) and Mason Bates (49) delivered big performances in helping the Buccaneers finish a second straight unbeaten regular season with last Friday's comeback home win over Knox Grace.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ Boyd Buchanan defenders K'Leb Crowder (1) and Mason Bates (49) delivered big performances in helping the Buccaneers finish a second straight unbeaten regular season with last Friday's comeback home win over Knox Grace. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ Boyd Buchanan defenders K'Leb Crowder (1) and Mason Bates (49) delivered big performances in helping the Buccaneers finish a second straight unbeaten regular season with last Friday's comeback home win over Knox Grace.

Here are the top five surprising results from last week’s high school football action in the Greater Chattanooga:

1. Boyd Buchanan’s second-half domination: Before Gary Rankin arrived at Buccaneer Trail, Boyd Buchanan had just two previous undefeated regular seasons. Now, in Rankin’s third year at the helm, the Bucs have posted back-to-back 10-0 regular season finishes.

One of Division II-AA’s top programs turned in an incredible second half in last week’s 51-21 home victory over Knoxville Grace. After trailing 14-9 at halftime, Boyd Buchanan struck for 28 points in the third quarter.

David Green showcased why he is a contender for the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football award as the junior handled 10 carries for 163 yards and two scores to go along with a 65-yard kick return and a team-leading 12 tackles. Green was part of a six-headed rushing attack that piled up 367 yards on 33 carries.

The Buccaneers defense was dominant in the final half as K’Leb Crowder had a pick-six, Xavier Embry had a fumble return and interception and Sabastian Jones also had a pick. Brodie Lowe was also strong with nine tackles, while Ty Binford forced a fumble and Mason Bates had seven stops and a tackle for loss.