By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Buchanan found out Friday that all the talk about Constantine's unstoppable offense wasn't just hype.
The Falcons gained 506 yards, 400 on the ground, in a 56-19 rout of Buchanan in the Division 6, Region 3, Division 2 championship game.
With the loss, Buchanan's first ever playoff run comes to an end. The Bucks finished the year 9-2, their best record since 1988.
Constantine came into the game averaging 10.2 yards per play this season. Buchanan tried a variety of defensive schemes to try to catch the Falcons off guard, but nothing seemed to work.
The Falcons again averaged more than 10 yards each time they snapped the ball. They punted just once in the first three quarters and took a 35-0 lead before the Bucks could get going offensively.
The Bucks scored their first touchdown on the final play of the first half, a 10-yard pass from backup quarterback Eric Cole to Jordan Lee. Austin said nothing was wrong with starter Gordon Bryant, only that he wanted Cole in the game.
Buchanan come out for the second half with more aggression and a tougher defense. The Bucks' defense forced Constantine to punt on its first possession of the third quarter.
Matt Dykema crushed the punter before he could get kick the ball, causing a fumble. Travis Reith scooped up the loose ball and returned it 18 yards for a score that pulled Buchanan within 35-13.
Constantine would score on its next possession, however, to keep the game out of reach.
Buchanan's final touchdown came late in the third quarter on a 10-yard run by Dennis Wiliams. Williams finished the game with 75 yards on 14 carries.
The Bucks gained 149 yards rushing and 92 passing for a total of 241, more than the average yardage the Falcons allow.
After the game, the Bucks walked off the field disappointed, especially the seniors. Austin reminded his players to hold their heads high because they've accomplished great things this season.