With several key players on the sidelines and starting quarterback Zach Seibold out for the season with a knee injury, the Red Bud Musketeers still found a way to battle Wesclin in a close 34-27 loss Friday night.
Red Bud fell behind 14-6 in the first half and made the move to bring in senior runningback Alex Phegley at quarterback.
The move paid off, as Phegley completed 13-of-25 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns.
“We had Tyler Hubert at quarterback for the first half, and he just wasn’t comfortable there,” said Red Bud coach Dave Lucht. “Alex did a great job at the position, and he will start there for the rest of the season. It also allows Hubert to relax and do what he does best—run the football.”
Phegley and fellow senior Kevin Crafton seemed to have instant chemistry together as the two hooked up for six receptions for 203 yards.
Crafton, who lost his right hand in a farm accident, also led the team with 10 solo tackles on defense.
The Musketeers were able to get within one touchdown late in the game, but an interception  then a big play from Wesclin sealed the win late.
“The game really came down to three plays,” said Lucht, “a punt return for a touchdown, a long run up the middle where we missed several tackles and a missed assignment late in the game that allowed the Wesclin quarterback to scramble for a score.”
The Musketeers scored with 14 seconds remaining to cut Wesclin's lead to seven. An onside kick attempt was initially successful but was wiped out because of a penalty.
“The team is definitely disappointed to be 0-2 but everyone is excited about getting some key players back and trying to make a successful season out of this.”
It won’t get any easier for Red Bud in week three as the team hosts Carlyle (2-0) Friday night. Carlyle defeated Nashville and Freeburg so far this season.