By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES – There are no illusions for the Buchanan varsity football team as it wraps up preparation for the Division 7 district title game Friday night in Jackson.
The Bucks know full well just who it is they are facing.
Jackson Lumen Christi has been a football powerhouse for decades. Lumen Christi is use to making deep runs into the playoffs and at 9-1, expect to do the same this season.
Buchanan (8-2) is playing in its second district championship game in four years.
The Bucks last reached the second round in the playoffs in 2004.
Buchanan defeated Union City 24-13 in the opening round of the playoffs and then fell to perennial powerhouse Constantine 56-19 in the title game.
The goal is the same this year as it was in 2004. The Bucks want to control the line of scrimmage and keep the Lumen Christi offense on the sidelines by controlling the football.
"We need to get out there and get over the initial shock of playing on astro turf," Buchanan coach Joe Austin said. "We can't let them get off to an avalanche start. We have to get off the bus swinging."
That may be a tough task as Lumen Christi has a powerful defense that prides itself on getting the ball into its offense's hands as often as possible.
"They have got a great defense," he said. "They really fly to the ball. They have great linebackers, a great strong safety. They have the whole package. There are no weaknesses."
Austin didn't have to go too far to find out about his opponent on Friday night.
Lumen Christi's lone loss came at the hands of Lakeshore, at 28-21 setback early in the year.
The Bucks are coming off a huge win over another playoff powerhouse, Battle Creek Pennfield.
"I was able to talk to Denny," Austin answered when asked about contacting the Lancers' head coach. "He told me a few things."
Buchanan was able to hold off a late Pennfield charge to pull out the 38-33 victory last Friday night.
Lumen Christi defeated Hopkins, yet another traditional playoff power, 34-7.
The Lumen Christi defense limited Hopkins to just 150 yards in total offense, of which, 78 came on the final drive of the game.
Defensively, Lumen Christi is allowing its opponents just 10.2 points per contest. On the flip side, The Titans are averaging 27.5 points per game.
The Titans ran for 315 yards and used a host of players to do it.
Lumen Christi was led by Corey McEldowney's 85 yards.
The Titans also used a back up quarterback as they starting signal caller, Nate Russler was sidelined by injury.
Conor Sullivan was 5-of-6 for 119 yards.
Evan Hagen scored two of the three rushing touchdowns for the Titans.
Buchanan will want to control the ball once again with its powerful ground game that amassed 356 yards.
The Bucks' two-headed monster of Clinton Orr and Marquis Hall gained 167 and 156 yards respectively.
"We are playing our best football of the season," Austin said. "We are just going to have to get out there and give it our best. I am so proud of these kids and what they have been able to accomplish."
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Directions to the field
Take Niles-Buchanan Road to US-31 North
Turn left at East Napier/US-31 North
Turn right, merge onto I-94 East/US-31 North and follow I-94 East
Take Exit 136 to merge onto M-60 West toward I-94 Business Route/Jackson
Make a U-turn and continue to follow Spring Arbor Road to field