The Buccaneers found themselves in Wildcat territory on Friday night. They were about to take on the Maquoketa Valley Wildcats as their last game of the season. The Bucs knew that this was going to be a challenge, as the Wildcats were ranked number one in the state pre-season.
The game started out with the Maquokata Valley offense wasting no time on their opening drive. Wildcat’s quarterback, Brady Wall, would find a receiver in the end zone, taking the lead 7-0. East Buchanan was given the ball but returned it to the Wildcats after a short scoreless drive. Maquoketa Valley would then gain another touchdown. The Wildcats offense continued to dominate for the rest of the quarter, ending on top by 14.
Shortly after the second quarter began, officials called a delay due to lightning. This gave the Buccaneers time to regroup. However, coming out of the delay, East Buchanan still couldn’t stop Maquoketa Valley’s fierce offense. On top of that, the rainy weather caused the Buccaneers to fumble the ball, giving it to the Wildcats. Going into the half, Maquoketa Valley was leading 38-0.
Coming into the second half, the Buccaneers were battling the clock as they had many points to score in a limited amount of time. As the rain continued on and off, the Wildcats stayed consistent in their well-executed offense and defensive plays. The Bucs struggled to find their rhythm and the quarter ended with Maquokata Valley at 52, East Buchanan at 0.
By the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers were feeling the pressure of it being their very last game of the season. Although East Buchanan fought diligently to get themselves on the scoreboard, the game ended with Maquoketa Valley taking this win 59-0.
“This season didn’t go how we really wanted it to. Tonight’s game also didn’t go as we hoped.” Commented senior, Jacob Yearous. “Being involved with this team for the past four years was the best thing ever. So many memories and good times. I would do anything to be able to put the pads back on with this team one more time. We all appreciate everyone who still showed up to support us through the ups and downs.”
Although the Buccaneer’s 2025-2026 season has come to a close, East Buchanan reflects on the excitement of their wins this season. “I thought last week against Starmont we really came out aggressive on both sides and flew to the football being the more aggressive team. Against Maquoketa Valley, it just seemed like we were taking a lot of the hits instead of delivering them, which did not lead to a good outcome”. Said Head Coach, Jerry Alden.
“Maq Valley has size and physicality to them and they just kept us off balance all night on both sides of the ball. Sports in general, momentum plays a huge part of the game especially in football. They got up on us early and we just couldn’t change or stop the momentum they had the whole night.” Coach Alden commented. “When you play really good teams like Maquoketa Valley who have a lot of seniors, your room for error is very thin. You need to play a near perfect game because any little mistake, teams like them will capitalize on. They did.”