Red Bud improved to 4-3 last week with a 27-21 victory against the Wesclin Warriors in the 2021 Homecoming Game Friday night. The game began with the Warriors delivering an onside kick to the Musketeers that was fielded by Red Bud at their 45-yard line, setting up a short field. It didn’t take long for the Musketeers to drive down the field and punch it in from the 15 on a run by Nick Gantner. Lane Brockmeyer connected for the PAT to make the score 7-0 early in the first quarter. The Warriors took the ensuing kick-off and set up their offense at their 45-yard line. The Red Bud defense put a stop to any ideas of moving the ball when safety Easton Lucht intercepted the first pass by Wesclin to give the Musketeers the ball at midfield. Red Bud returned the favor on the next play on a miscue that resulted in a fumble recovered by Wesclin. After the exchange of turnovers, things settled down a bit. In the second quarter, Red Bud was able to move the ball into Warrior territory and scored on a 10 yard TD break-away run by Gantner. The extra point sailed wide to make it 13-0. Still, in the second quarter, Gantner added his third rushing TD on the night; the two-point conversion was good and the score was 21-0. It was a good night for Gantner who ran for 170 yards, scored 3 TDs. had 3 tackles and 3 assists, and 1 quarterback sack. Senior Logan Cathall had two drive-stopping picks in the game. After being dominated for the first half, the Warriors scored in the final minutes of the second quarter, taking advantage of a Red Bud turnover and penalty to make it 21-7 at the halftime break.

Wesclin fought back, scoring a touchdown in the third quarter to narrow the gap to 21-14.

The Musketeers cranked up the offense to pad the lead a bit when Lucht found fullback Devin Hall in the flat and dumped a short pass that Hall turned into a 13-yard TD to make the score 27-14. Wesclin made it close with a late touchdown and PAT to come within a score of the Musketeers. The Warriors attempted an onside kick that was touched by Wesclin before it traveled the required 10 yards. From there, The Boys were able to run out the clock and secured the win. 

The Musketeers, who are 3-1 in conference play this year, will put their record on the line this week when Chester comes to town. The Yellow Jackets are 5-2 after a loss at home to Decatur St. Teresa last week. However, Chester is 3-0 in conference play so a win for Red Bud this week would help secure an IHSA Playoff spot. It is a game the team can win but must limit penalties and turnovers. It’s going to be a good one you won’t want to miss. It’s also Senior Night, players and parents will be introduced and recognized before the game. Plan to arrive at 6:30, festivities start soon after, kick-off is at 7:00.