Buckhorn’s defense shut out Lee-Huntsville in the second half to help the Bucks to a 34-22 Class 6A, Region 8 win at home on Friday.

Buckhorn led 24-22 at the half behind three touchdowns from Shamarion Landrum and a 39-yard field goal by Van Reid.

Lee’s Carlin Long scored on a pair of short runs and Patrick Bailey hit Brandon Johnson for a 63-yard touchdown pass play in the opening half. The Generals trailed despite outgaining Buckhorn 229-192 in the first half.

Buckhorn (4-3, 3-1) held Lee (4-3, 2-2) to just 39 total yards after intermission to improve to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in region play. Lee managed three first downs in the second half.

Deven Chapman went high to take a Jack Rupe 25-yard touchdown pass away from a Lee defender with 2:09 to play in the third period.

Buckhorn put the game away with 2:09 left in the game on Reid’s 27-yard field goal.

Star of the game: Landrum gained 158 yards on 29 carries and had three touchdowns for Buckhorn.

Play of the game: Rupe threw high into the end zone and Lee’s Israel Caldwell looked as if he would make an interception, but Chapman took the ball away and came down inbounds for the touchdown to put the home team up 31-22.

Stat sheet: Buckhorn – The winners gained 301 total yards. Rupe was 3-for-9 for 48 yards and a touchdown. He also gained 75 yards on four carries. Cam Swain gained 20 on eight carries. Chapman caught two passes for 35 yards. Lee – The Generals gained 268 total yards with Long picking up 66 yards on 19 carries and a TD. Johnson gained 53 yards on five carries and also caught two passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. Patrick Bailey completed 8-of-20 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown.

By the numbers: 16 – Lee was hindered by 16 penalties for 167 yards. Buckhorn had six penalties for 70 yards. 6 – Buckhorn has now beaten Lee the last six times they’ve played.

Coachspeak: “Difference in the second half was our defensive adjustments from our DC Kyle Crabtree and defensive staff. Our offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage. Shamarion Landrum was dominant all night and Jack Rupe controlled the game from the quarterback position. I can’t put into words how proud I am of this team. We have a lot of fight and grit.” – Buckhorn head coach Matt Patterson

What’s next: Buckhorn will travel to Fort Payne and Lee will host Gadsden City.