Farwell- Bucktail’s 31-12 loss to Moniteau wasn’t good. The Bucks struggled to get anything done offensively beyond the running of Patrick Tarantella and occasional Corbin Pentz passes.
Defensively, the Bucks allowed too many big plays. The bad news for Bucktail is their 3-1 opponent on Friday, Smethport. The Hubbers are gunning for a D9 League Region 4 title and a win over the Bucks should give them an inside track with a 3-0 Region 4 record.
Key Players
Jude Kisko, Aiden Tanner and Mason Swanson will cause a ton of issues for a Bucktail defense that has given up big plays in 2026. Kisko paces the Hubbers with 491 yards rushing, while Tanner leads Smethport in receiving. Swanson commands the offense from behind the center. He has tossed 4 touchdowns this season.
Corbin Pentz racked up 117 yards passing against Moniteau. Teagan Stone was his favorite target last week. That duo needs to be on target Friday night. Aidan Ditty has yet to have a big game and the Bucktail senior tight end is due for a big game.
If the Bucks want to have a shot against the Hubbers, their defense needs and must play better. Patrick and Angelo Tarantella will need to make stops. JJ Ditty has had a relatively uneventful sophomore campaign, could Friday night be his breakout party?
Marv Robinson snagged his first varsity interception against the Warriors last week. Robinson and Nick Dennis’ play will be key in slowing down the Swanson to Tanner connection.
Key Facts
This is Bucktail’s third trip to Smethport in as many years. All have been Regional contests, somebody in the Bucktail athletic department needs to question that fact.
Bucktail outscored the Hubbers 28-22 in the second half in their 53-28 loss in Smethport a season ago.
The Bucks last win over the Hubbers was in the early eighties. They’ve yet to defeat Smethport since joining the D9 League
Smethport was once considered the central “hub” of McKean County, which is how they became known as the Hubbers.
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