SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. — Don’t let the 1,000-watt grin fool you. Ja’Mychal Buckner has a nasty side.
As much as he is universally liked around his hometown for greeting folks with a polite, ivory smile, it’s that fierce side — which comes out only when he’s on the field — that has truly made Buckner widely celebrated throughout this football-crazed community.
On a team loaded with potential playmaking options, once the temperatures dropped and the playoff stakes were raised, South Pittsburg High School’s 5-foot-11, 190-pound battering ram running back has taken the reins of the offense.
And much as he’s done throughout his prep career, Buckner has delivered.
Through the first four playoff games, the standout senior has carried the ball 56 times for 401 yards and 10 touchdowns, accounting for nearly half the Pirates’ postseason rushing total of 835 yards, with six more carries than the rest of the team combined.