ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ
PENDLETON — The struggles continue for the Pendleton football team.
The Bucks let a 21-0 lead slip away in the second half as Baker rallied for a 27-21 overtime win Friday, Oct. 3, in the Greater Oregon League opener for both teams.
“It’s been a tough year,” Pendleton coach Erik Davis said. “Tonight, our center Kaleb Lillie broke his foot, receiver Aaden Hernandez broke his wrist and Tugg (McQuinn) went out with a knee injury. He (McQuinn) is so beat up. We had to change our game plan midway through the game. We are thin, beat up and young.”
McQuinn ran for 149 yards and the first two touchdowns of the game as the Bucks (0-6 overall) took a 14-0 lead.
Teegan Herrera caught an 11-yard touchdown pass as Pendleton jumped out to a 21-0 lead.
The Bulldogs climbed back into the game in the second half.
With 2:27 to play in regulation, the Bulldogs (1-4) tied the score as Quin Wellman connected with Eli Long on a 69-yard scoring pass. Baker converted the 2-point conversion to make it 21-21.
Baker had the first possession in overtime, and Wellman and Long hooked up for a 17-yard touchdown, but the PAT kick failed, leaving Baker with a 27-21 lead.
Pendleton struggled to move the ball during its possession, and faced fourth-and-1. Vance Nelson took the handoff, but the Bulldogs stood him up at the line of scrimmage to secure the win.
Nelson carried the ball 21 times for 144 yards on the night.
“It’s been a tough year with a tough schedule,” Davis said. “It’s really tough for all of us, especially the kiddos. They give it their all each and every play. It’s not a lack of effort. We aren’t giving up. We will continue to fight and play for pride these last three games.”
Cole Sazue completed 4 of 8 passes for 72 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, and Tucker Kuza completed 10 of 15 passes for 68 yards.
Zane Emery caught five passes for 33 yards, while Aiden Cox had three catches for 18 yards.
Defensively, Nelson, Herrera, Cole Roy and Vance Phillips all had five tackles. Nelson also blocked a punt and a PAT.
The Bucks will return to action Oct. 17, hosting The Dalles in a GOL matchup.
“We have a week off, maybe we can heal up,” Davis said.
