Criss Davis and his Bullpups traveled to Baxter Springs on Friday night and spoiled the Lions’ Homecoming festivities by pulling away in the final 24 minutes for a 64-26 victory.
After forcing an early three-and-out, Caney Valley struck first on a two-yard touchdown run by Traxcyn Garton, followed by his two-point conversion.
Baxter Springs quarterback Cole Parrish then broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run to make it 8-7, marking the first time an opponent has scored against the Bullpups this season.
Caney answered with a three-yard touchdown run from Jace Buckley before a fourth-down pass from the seven-yard line to Drake Roberds extended the lead to 21-7.
The Lions responded with touchdown passes of 58 and 52 yards to cut the deficit to 21-19 with about a minute left in the first half.
After a strong kick return from Huck Seger, Caney went to the air with 10 seconds remaining, connecting with Roberds for a 42-yard touchdown to regain momentum. The ensuing two-point conversion gave the Bullpups a 29-19 halftime lead.
The second half belonged to Caney Valley, as the Bullpups recovered an attempted onside kick before Buckley scored on a reverse to make it 37-19. Caney then picked off Parrish, and Garton followed with a 39-yard touchdown run.
The Bullpups added two more scores, including another touchdown catch from Roberds and a rushing touchdown from Buckley, to take a 56-19 lead after outscoring Baxter Springs 27-0 in the third quarter.
Buckley finished with four rushing touchdowns and more than 200 yards on the ground, while Roberds had three touchdown catches and more than 100 receiving yards.
Buckley and Roberds combined for seven of Caney Valley’s nine touchdowns, while the Bullpups’ second-half adjustments helped keep Parrish and the Baxter Springs receivers in check.
Caney Valley will face Neodesha next week during the Bluestreaks’ Homecoming, as the Bullpups and Bluestreaks meet with unblemished records on the line. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m., with kickoff set for 7 on US 98, as the Bullpups look to play Homecoming spoiler once again.
