Blue Earth Area linebacker Kade Gaydon applies a tackle to Triton running back Hunter Stark during Triton’s 14-8 victory over the Bucs on Friday, Sept. 8. After allowing 14 first-half points, the BEA defense stiffened and did not allow the Cobras to score the remainder of the game.

For the second time in eight days, the Blue Earth Area football team lost by less than one score.

The Bucs played host to Triton in their home opener on Sept. 8, and were defeated by the Cobras 14-8.

“We had too many mistakes and too many penalties but we still gave ourselves a chance to win,” BEA coach Randy Kuechenmeister said.

Triton drew first blood with 2:47 to go in the first quarter when quarterback Pierce Petersohn converted on a third down with 25 yards to go for a first down.

Petersohn’s 30-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Leonardo and the successful extra point kick by Miguel Martinez put the Cobras on top 7-0.

The Petersohn to Leonard combination struck again with 9:27 to play before halftime.

This time the Cobras were facing a third down and 17 yards to go when Leonard hauled in Petersohn’s pass for a 33-yard touchdown. The kick by Martinez was good and Triton took a 14-0 lead which they held heading into the second half.

The good news for the Bucs was that their defense stiffened in the second half and kept the Cobras from scoring. However, the offense could only manage one touchdown so BEA fell short in their efforts to overtake their opponent.

The Bucs’ lone touchdown came with 3:48 remaining in the third quarter.

Running back Kade Gaydon, who took over for starter Caleb Langager who was injured in the first half, put the Bucs on the board with a two-yard touchdown run. A great second effort by Gaydon allowed him to run in the ball for a two-point conversion which cut Triton’s lead to 14-8.

BEA’s offense had opportunities to drive for another score but two fourth quarter turnovers helped Triton hold on for the victory.

Gaydon led the Bucs in rushing with 58 yards while Langager finished with 35.

Gaydon also led the team on defense with 10 tackles followed by Emanuel Granillo with eight and Cory Kitchel with six.

BEA’s next game was at Jackson against the Jackson County Central Huskies on Sept. 16.