The ETSU Buccaneers made the trip to Macron, Ga over the weekend to take on a SoCon Conference foe in the Mercer Bears. Sitting in first place, the Bears were able to cause chaos early and often for the Bucs despite a strong second quarter performance, Mercer would take the victory 37-31.
The ETSU passing game was on fire in this contest, the QB duo of Gino English and Jaylen King would combine for a total of 459 passing yards and three touchdowns. Additionally three ETSU wide receivers finished the game with 100+ yards receiving. The three being AJ Johnson (162), Ephraim Floyd (112), and Hakeem Meggett (108).
Despite the loss, the Bucs were able to come out to an early first quarter lead at 14-3. However, the Mercer Bears would strike back with two touchdowns to lead the Bucs 17-14 at the half.
In prior games this season, the Bucs would find ways to tough out wins, and while the score says the game was close, it was the mistakes by the Bucs that cost them the game.
Coming out of the tunnel for the second half, the Bears were able to cap off a 25-yard pick six, a blocked punt, and a recovered fumble in the end zone for a touchdown all in the second half to give them the advantage.
Mistakes would add up, seeing the Bears outscore the Bucs 20-17 in the second half. With these mistakes, the Buccaneers insisted on continuing the battle.
Mercer with the lead late in the fourth quarter and the Buccaneers to kick a field goal, leading to a very risky on-side kick. With statistics not on their side, the Bucs would swing and miss, the first on-side kick, which was recovered by the Bucs. However, the kick was nullified by the officials, leading to a second attempt. With everything stacked against them, the Bucs would try the kick once again, and recovering for a second time. However, as per NCAA rules, the on-side kick did not travel the required 10 yards before being touched by a player on the kicking team, resulting in the Mercer Bears taking possession, ultimately winning the game shortly after.
This loss places the Bucs to a 5-4 record with a stretch of SoCon foes lying ahead.
Despite the loss, the Bucs will take this time to recover, recognize mistakes and be prepared to take on the Western Carolina Catamounts, another conference opponent, a tie breaking game with major SoCon implications, as both teams now share the same record. The Bucs will take on the Catamounts next Saturday, Nov. 9 at noon at William B. Greene Jr Stadium.
For more information on ETSU football, visit ETSUBucs.com.
