Boyd Buchanan and Notre Dame combined for more turnovers than the number of miles separating the region rivals’ campuses Friday night.
The difference between the two football teams was even closer on the field.
Boyd Buchanan junior linebacker Trey Randolph dove on a fumble with 5:46 left, and teammate TJ McReynolds was able to drag a pair of defenders across the goal line on a 14-yard touchdown run three plays later to secure the 26-25 home win in a TSSAA Division II-AA East Region matchup.
“Trey is just a phenomenal football player,” Charles Fant said after the Buccaneers improved to 3-1 overall while evening their region mark at 1-1 in his first season as their head coach. “He doesn’t really leave the field. He’s like the representation of what Boyd is. I’m just so, so proud of him.”
With a minute left in the game, the Fighting Irish had a chance to go ahead when they attempted a 46-yard field goal. But the kick fell just short, and Notre Dame fell to 2-2 while dropping its second straight game to begin region play.