CORPUS CHRISTI — On most nights, Corpus Christi Miller’s offense is the catalyst behind their big wins. The night belonged to their defense on Friday.
Led by five takeaways and one defensive touchdown, the Buccaneers delivered a statement win to open the season, taking down Corpus Christi Veterans 41-7 during a non-district contest Thursday at Buccaneer Stadium in Corpus Christi.
“We were sluggish to start,” Corpus Christi Miller head coach Justen Evans said. “With the 106 degree weather, then we have what feels like 1000-pounds of sleeves and clothes on, we were kind of running in mud to start the game. At halftime we came out and made some great adjustments. Just shoutout to our defense. They played lights out today.”
The Buccaneers were jolted to life after a sluggish start to the season, with senior outside linebacker George Simmons providing the spark on a pick-6 of Corpus Christi Veterans quarterback Noah Endres.
A 20 yard catch-and-run by senior running back Broderick Taylor added to the Buccaneers lead during the second quarter, giving them a 13-0 lead heading into the break.
Then, the floodgates opened.
A pair of third quarter takeaways helped the Buccaneers balloon their lead to five scores during the period, with a fumble recovery by senior linebacker LaMarcus Cullum turning into an eight yard Eathan Vela touchdown and an interception by Donovan Cristan leading to a 51-yard touchdown reception by Roderick Taylor.
“Six of our guys on defense have been starting since they were freshman,” Evans said. “Those are four-year starters now since they’re seniors. We have a veteran defensive line. Our coordinator has done a phenomenal job getting them ready to play so hats off to them.”
The Buccaneers put the final touches on the game early in the fourth, with Cristan’s second interception of the day setting up a three yard touchdown run by quarterback Trevor Long.
Long’s touchdown marked the sixth Buccaneers’ athlete to find the endzone during the contest.
Corpus Christi Veterans got on the board late, with running back Andrew Charlebois breaking a 47-yard touchdown run during the final two minutes to make it a 41-7 ball game. He finished with 120 yards and one score on 24 carries.
Long led Miller’s offensive onslaught, completing 20-of-32 passes for 254 yards and three scores, adding one carry for three yards and a touchdown.
Running back Broderick Taylor and do-it-all athlete Corey Holmes combined for 149 rushing yards, while Roderick Taylor paced the wideouts with five catches for 95 yards and a score. Vela added 81 yards and one touchdown on five catches.
“Its a blessing to have so many offensive weapons,” Evans said. “At the same time, we have to do a better job of punching it in. We left like three scores out there. I’m not happy about that, but we’ll fix it this week and be ready to go. It starts tomorrow. We’re going to come in and flush today out and lift. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to take it one day at a time and not look ahead.”
The Buccaneers (1-0) turn their attention to Seguin next week, hosting the Matadors at Buccaneer Stadium at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6.
The Chargers (0-1) will look to bounce back at 7 p.m. Thursday against intracity rival Corpus Christi Carroll.
For more pictures from yesterday’s game, click here.