By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Buchanan is looking to accomplish something this season it has never done before - make the playoffs.
With a victory last week over Edwardsburg, the Bucks are a perfect 5-0 this season and just one victory away from the postseason. The win also boosted Buchanan from No. 7 to No. 4 in the Division 6 polls.
Needing just one victory, Buchanan couldn't have picked a better time to play a River Valley team that sits in last place in the Lakeland Conference. The Mustangs are winless and have scored just seven points this season.
Those seven points came last week in a 33-7 loss to previously-winless Brandywine. River Valley lost badly to a Bobcat team that Buchanan stomped 62-12 three weeks ago.
While the Bucks severely out-match the Mustangs, at least on paper, Buchanan head coach Joe Austin said his team can't look past River Valley.
One of the concerns Austin has about the Mustangs is their size. He said they have some bulk on their lines and could be difficult to push around come Friday.
Looking at an undefeated record and a possible conference championship, Austin said his team can't get to far ahead of itself. The Bucks still have to play one game at a time, he said.
Playing the Mustangs, however, gives the Bucks an opportunity to try some new defenses and add some facets to their offense. Particularly, Austin said, Buchanan wants to improve its passing game.
The Bucks haven't needed to pass much this year with its powerful running game. Buchanan is led by running back Denny Williams has ten rushing touchdowns this season.