On the third week of Buccaneer football, the ETSU Bucs would make the trip to Elon, N.C. to take on the top 25 ranked Elon Phoenix squad. Coming off of a heartbreaking 38-35 loss to N0. 2 North Dakota State Bison last week, the Bucs were able to strike early and often, coming away with a 34-14 victory.
On the days heading into the game, Buccaneer Head Coach, Tre Lamb holds a 2-1 record against the Phoenix in his career. “We’re a 7 point underdog, don’t worry, we’re definitely addressing that as motivation” said Coach Lamb to Buccaneer Sports Radio.
So far in the short season, ETSU has been able to shine in a lot of new ways that former squads have not been able to do. For instance, starting quarterback, sophomore Jaylen King (Folkston, Ga.) completed 17 passes alongside tacking on 326 all-purpose yards, 233 of which went through the air. Which is a career high for the Gardner-Webb transfer.
In addition to Kings shinning performance, running back, senior Bryson Irby (Douglasville, Ga.) would finish the game with 96 yards, totaling 243 in the last two games. Irby would also get to see the end zone against the Elon Phoenix.
“We’ve made a few offensive and defensive adjustments we implemented that made a difference this game” commented Coach Lamb once again in a post-game interview with voice of Bucs Sports Radio Host, Jay Sandos on Saturday evening.
The victory against Elon marks just the second time since 2003 the two teams have squared off. The Bucs were able to avenge the 14-0 loss since the last meeting 21 years ago.
The win on Saturday will move our Buccaneers to .500 at a 2-2 record overall, placing the Bucs in fifth place within the Southern Conference.
Looking ahead, our Bucs will remain on the road for the second consecutive week, traveling to in conference foe, The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. on Sept. 28. A game the Buccaneers are confident they can make more of a name and continue to improve.
The Bucs will return home to William B. Greene Jr. Stadium on Oct. 5 for a homecoming edition of The Rail Rivalry, hosting No. 23 Chattanooga.
For more information on the ETSU Football team, visit ETSUBucs.com.
