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SPECIAL TO

THE DAILY NEWS

For the first time in Bowling Green’s history, the Bowling Green Buccaneers earned the privilege of playing in back to back MAIS Class 4A Championship games. Ultimately, the Buccaneers fell to the defending champions, the Tri-County Rebels, 3-27. While the season ended in defeat, the Buccaneers finished as state runner-ups, capping off a remarkable season filled with determination and grit.

You could feel the excitement in the air as the teams took the field. Bowling Green struck first with a 39-yard field goal by Alex Brock on their opening drive, taking an early 3-0 lead. The Buccaneers’ defense held strong through much of the first half, forcing punts on Tri-County’s early possessions. However, the Rebels broke through with a long touchdown pass late in the second quarter to take a 7-3 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Tri-County extended their lead with a mix of explosive plays and a strong rushing attack. The Buccaneers battled to stay in the game, including standout plays like a 53-yard run by quarterback Maddox Magee, but were unable to capitalize in the red zone. A late interception and a final Rebels touchdown secured the 3-27 final score.

This season’s success was driven by an exceptional senior class whose leadership and talent carried the Buccaneers back to the championship game that so many never experience. Seniors Trey Champagne, Preston Jarrell, Russell Wilson, Tucker Pittman, Zeke Burford, Maddox Magee, Sawyer McCune, Cam Seal, Bubby Bryant, Leroy Bruce, Jude Rawls, JP Brumfield, Bryce Graham, Austin Bovia, and Brody Estave all played critical roles in the team’s journey to the state finals.

The district champions ended their season with an impressive 8-5 record and a perfect district record of 4-0. Their season will be remembered and celebrated by the Bowling Green family, and the result of one game does not diminish what the 2024 Buccaneers accomplished.

To the 2024 Bowling Green Buccaneers: thank you for an incredible season. Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication brought pride to your school and fans. To the seniors, your legacy will live on as an example of leadership and commitment. Though the scoreboard may not have reflected the outcome you hoped for, you leave the field as champions in the hearts of those who cheered you on.