Last Friday, the Bucs went on the road and beat top-ranked Knox Grace by 22-points, keeping Boyd undefeated on the road this season. Said lineman Stephen Ingram,"There's just something about getting on the bus each week and going to play somewhere different. New atmosphere."
Ingram believes the atmosphere during the Bucs road trip to powerhouse South Pitt this season was a big boost. "It got us a feel for playing in a hostile environment . They're very loud. It's tough to hear. That's what you expect once you get to the playoffs, and that's what we've had to endure so far."
Now Boyd gets a rematch in the semifinals against Friendship Christian. The Commanders knocked the Bucs out of the playoffs last season on a close call at the pylon. Refs ruled the quarterback scored on a fourth down run in OT. Commanders added the PAT to win 21-20. Said lineman Chase Miller,"We want to get that out of our mind and look at this year's team and this year's game. We want to put that behind us. We know what we have to do for this year. Can't look at past mistakes and what happened then." Said head coach Grant Reynolds, "We're a different team. They're a different team. We've got different players. We just talked about continuing to do the things that we've done all year to be successful." Said Ingram,"It's a brand new game, brand new team, and a brand new year."
If Boyd wins on Friday, they'll return to the state title game for the first time since 2009. Said Reynolds,"Kind of see the end in sight right now. Our kids are focused on this game. They know it's the means to an end."
Boyd may want to go easy on the pre-game meal on Friday, considering the damage that'll be done on Thanksgiving. Reporter-"Do you watch what you eat on Thanksgiving day because you have a game Friday night or is it just Katy bar the door?" (chuckles) Said Miller,"Coach Reynolds probably doesn't want me to say this, but I pig out. I can't help it. It's Thanksgiving. It's good food. I got to eat."
