Behind Jackson Buckley’s first-career multi-touchdown game, Byrnes took down Riverside 42-27 in a 5A Region 2 battle on Friday night.
Buckley caught a touchdown pass in the first and third quarters to power the Rebels (4-2, 2-1 region) to the win.
“Jackson is just really consistent. He’s Mr. Consistency,” said Byrnes head coach Reggie Shaw. “He’s battled back from injury and given us a threat at the H-back position. I couldn’t be happier for him and the year he’s having.”
Coming into the season, Buckley had just two career touchdowns. This year, as a senior, he’s already hauled in five touchdown passes — becoming a primary threat in the passing game for the Rebels.
After suffering a season-ending torn labrum during the team’s bye week last year, Buckley has more than shown out in his return to action.
“I knew after I went down with the injury in practice last year that it was bad,” said Buckley. “I could tell it was probably going to end my year. So I worked hard to get back and be at my best.
“I started eating healthier, cut out fast food, and made it so I could get back in the shape I’m in now.”
Buckley’s being used in every aspect of the Rebel offense this year.
“I’ve really improved at every part of my game, I feel like,” he said. “I’m getting a lot of looks through the air, but I’ve also become a much better run blocker, and the coaches have gone in-depth with me on that. I know who to block and where to block, and it’s made me a better player.”
On Friday night against Riverside, Buckley finished with an efficient three receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns. Choo Harris snagged a season-high seven receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown, while Tre’ Segarra carried the ball 18 times for 179 yards and two scores. Kayllin McDowell was on the receiving end of the Rebels’ other score.
Caine Rogers threw for 149 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
The victory sets Byrnes up for an important region matchup next week at Gaffney against the Indians.
“Happy to come out of here with a win, and happy to come out of here relatively healthy heading into next week’s game against Gaffney,” said Shaw. “That’s going to be a big one.”
BYRNES STAT LEADERS
Passing: Caine Rogers 12-14, 149 yards, 3 TDs, INT | Walker Burdette 5-7, 23 yards
Rushing: Tre Segarra 18 rushes, 179 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving: Choo Harris 7 rec, 83 yards, TD | Jackson Buckley 3 rec, 41 yards, 2 TDs | Jacobi Fuller 5 rec, 16 yards | Kayllin McDowell 2 rec, 14 yards, TD
RIVERSIDE STAT LEADERS
Passing: Gideon Merhib 12-30, 189 yards, 3 TDs, INT
Rushing: Gideon Merhib 15 rushes, 73 yards, TD | Keyon Knowles 13 rushes, 46 yards
Receiving: Speedy Taylor 2 rec, 69 yards, TD | Peyton Stevenson 4 rec, 61 yards, TD | Jayden Blakely 1 rec, 28 yards, TD
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