SMETHPORT – After struggling to impact the scoreboard through its first three competitive matchups of the season, the young Bucktail offense showed flashes in its fourth to the tune of 28 points.

That number doubled its previous three scoring totals combined. And while it didn’t result in a win, as Bucktail fell on the road to Smethport by a score of 53-28, it did result in excitement from its players and coaching staff.

“I ask the kids to play hard and let the score be what it’s going to be, and the kids do that every single game,” said Bucktail head coach Kevin Ransom when discussing the loss.

“I’m very happy with the progress we’ve made this year, and last night was a reminder that the progress isn’t over yet. There’s still a lot of growth, but boy, these kids are ready to take that journey.”

Freshman quarterback Corbin Pentz put together the best outing of his young career, throwing for 283 yards and four touchdowns to give the Bucks a spark. He completed 13 of his 17 passes, good for a completion percentage of 76-percent, averaging just under 22 yards per completion.

“He really is an incredible young man. He’s very athletic, and he’s got a heck of a bright future in front of him,” said Ransom on Pentz. “A freshman just did something that I don’t think a Bucktail quarterback has done in probably 30 years, if ever, throwing for over 250 yards.”

A passing outing like that is bound to come with receiving standouts, and this game was no exception. Of Pentz’s four passing touchdowns, three went to tight end Aiden Ditty, who proved to be a magnet late in the redzone on his way to a career night.

“He’s probably our MVP right now,” said Ransom on Ditty, referring to both his play as a tight end and defensive end. “I can’t say enough good about that kid. He’s very coachable, smart in and out of the classroom. He’s incredible.”

Sophomore Teagan Stone remained a standout as well, going over the century mark on a team-high six receptions. Freshman Levi Stevenson added 80 receiving yards on three receptions, and Jaden Intallura added 65 on two, at one point making a highlight-reel catch on the sideline.

It was a night that still featured the growing pains that are to come with a very young team, as the Bucks got off to a rough start, turned the ball over thrice and struggled defensively. But it was a step in the right direction for a team that has plenty of time to grow, a positive-laden loss that they’ll look to build upon.

“I’m choosing to celebrate today. We can look at all the negatives because there’s enough out there that we need to look at, but I’m choosing to look at the positives today,” said Ransom. ”

I’m incredibly happy with the performance, and I hope that gives the kids the momentum that’s needed for the second half of the year because there’s game that we can compete and possibly even win.”

That second half of the season begins with another road trip against Otto-Eldred/Oswayo Valley (1-4) next Friday.

Smethport 53, Bucktail 28

Bucktail 0 6 0 22 – 28

Smethport 32 0 14 7 – 53

TEAM STATISTICS B S

First downs 11 8

Rushes-yards 22- (-3) 34-255

Passing yards 283 94

Comp-Att 13-17 6-10

Total yards 280 349

Turnovers 3 2

Penalties-yards 7-55 8-55

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING – Bucktail, Jaden Intallura 7-5; Levi Stevenson 6-(-2); Teagan Stone 3- (-6), Pentz 7- (-28). TOTAL 22- (-3). Smethport, Jonah Ganoe 10-134, 3 TDs, Jude Kisko 6-83 TD, Wyatt Hungiville 5-52, Jude Rothermel 4-7 TD, Aiden Tanner 1-2, Mason Swanson 8- (-23). TOTAL- 34-255 5 TDs.

PASSING – Bucktail, Corbin Pentz 13-17 283 yards, 4 TDs. Smethport, Swanson 6-10 79 yards, TD. Hungiville 1-1 15 yds, TD.

RECEIVING – Bucktail, Teagan Stone 6-111, TD; Levi Stevenson 3-80; Jaden Intallura 2-65; Aiden Ditty 3-27, 3 TDs. Smethport, Ganoe 2-25; Fitzsimmon 1-21; Young 1-15, TD; Dickerson 1-12; Kisko 1-1, TD.