The Breckenridge Buckaroos lost to the Merkel Badgers 14-6 on Friday. The Buckaroos had gone into the game with a chance to clinch a spot in the Class 3A Division II playoffs. The team will now need to win its next game at Henrietta on Nov. 6 to still have a chance to qualify.
Cooper Wimberley scored the Buckaroos' only touchdown, on a seven-yard run in the first quarter. The Buckaroos' defense kept the game close. Merkel had averaged 40 points per game, while Breckenridge had allowed 33 points per game before Friday.
Buckaroos head coach Casey Pearce said the team executed its game plan. He praised Merkel quarterback Easton Malone, saying he played well and showed why he has the numbers he has.