Parker Meyers (10) looks for running room during Blue Earth Area’s game against the Maple River Eagles on Friday, Oct. 8. The Bucs suffered their first loss of the season 21-7. After playing Norwood Young America on Oct. 15, BEA takes on Fairmont on Oct. 20.

The last time the Blue Earth Area football team had lost a game was during the State Tournament in November of 2019.

Head coach Randy Kuechenmeister’s squad had an undefeated 7-0 season last year and was off to a 5-0 start this season.

However, Maple River came to Wilson Field on Friday night, Oct. 8, and ended the Buc’s unbeaten streak with a 21-7 victory over the Maroon and Gold.

The Bucs received the opening kickoff and following a 26-yard return by Parker Meyers, began their drive at their own 42-yard line.

BEA marched the ball down to the Maple River 28-yard line before a fumble turned the ball over to the Eagles with 7:47 to go in the first quarter.

The Bucs’ defense forced the Eagles to punt after three plays and BEA took over on thier own 23-yard line with 5:40 remaining in the opening quarter.

Two runs by quarterback Adam Schavey followed by a seven-yard pass reception by Ashton Lloyd gave BEA a first down at their 37-yard line.

A 10-yard run by Schavey moved the ball to the 47-yard line for another first down. However, the next two plays did not gain any yards leaving the Bucs facing third down with 10 yards needed for a first down.

Schavey connected with Lloyd for a 13-yard gain to move the ball into Maple River territory at the 40-yard line and give the Bucs a fresh set of downs.

Three more runs by Schavey left the Bucs one yard short of a first down. Schavey kept the ball on fourth down and found enough room to gain four yards and keep the drive going.

Schavey ended the first quarter with a run for two yards to put the ball on the Maple River 25-yard line.

Schavey gained eight yards on each of his next two carries and then added a seven-yard gain to advance the ball to the two-yard line.

Schavey’s plunge up the middle covered the final two yards and gave the Bucs their only touchdown of the game with 10:07 to go in the first half. Gabe Smith’s kick for the extra point was good and BEA led Maple River 7-0.

The Bucs had possession of the ball for all but three plays during the first 14 minutes of the game.

The Eagles took the ensuing kickoff and put together a nine-play scoring drive which covered 73 yards. The drive concluded with quarterback Landon Fox connecting with Boden Simon for a 21-yard touchdown pass with 5:53 to go until halftime. The extra point was good and the score was tied 7-7.

The Bucs turned the ball over on downs to the Eagles with just under five minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Starting their drive at the Buccaneer 40-yard line, the Eagles needed 11 plays to reach the endzone and take the lead. The PAT was good to put Maple River on top 14-7 at the half.

Maple River took the second half kickoff and moved the ball all the way down to the BEA 29-yard line before turning the ball over to the Bucs on downs.

BEA was forced to punt but regained the ball on a sideline interception by Jack Norman in front of the Maple River bench.

Starting at the Maple River 49 yard line, the Bucs overcame a 10-yard holding penalty thanks to a 26-yard pass reception by Lloyd to keep the drive alive and move inside of the 20-yard line.

However, a BEA fumble at the 10-yard line was recovered by the Eagles to end the Bucs’ scoring drive.

Instead, Maple River strung together a nine-play 90-yard scoring drive to take a 20-7 lead. The PAT was good to give the Eagles a 21-7 lead with 6:40 left in the game.

BEA ran 59 plays to Maple River’s 49 during the game, but the Eagles generated 273 yards of offense compared to 206 for the Bucs.

Schavey carried the ball 32 times for 111 yards while Parker Meyers had three rushes for 20 yards.

Schavey was 6-for-22 passing for 72 yards.

Lloyd had three receptions for 46 yards. Luke Schonborn had one reception for 21 yards.

The Bucs were back in action on Friday, Oct. 15, when they traveled to Norwood Young America to take on the Raiders.

Look for the results of that game in next week’s edition of the Faribault County Register.