Buhach Colony defends its turf

ATWATER -- Buhach Colony High debuted its artificial turf field Friday night, beginning a tradition the Thunder hopes to continue throughout the season.

"It adds something extra to the game, being the first team to get on the turf," said coach Kevin Swartwood, whose team plays its home games at Atwater High. "The kids sure like to play on it."

Not surprisingly, considering the trend among teams that have switched to fake grass, the Thunder celebrated a win on its turf.

Sophomore Corey Chapman, in his varsity debut, ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns in the 24-8 victory over Madera South.

Playing on fake grass has been a recipe for success in the Stanislaus District, going back to 2004. Lincoln of Stockton was the first to switch to turf, and five schools followed in the next three years.

All six schools have been winners since pulling up the real stuff, going a combined 117-46. Buhach Colony can be added to that list, as well, with a 1-0 mark.

The Thunder gets another opportunity on the turf -- and the chance to equal last year's win total -- next week when it hosts Sierra. Atwater takes to the turf Sept. 19 when it hosts Beyer.

Of course, Chapman had more to do with the Thunder's victory than the surface -- though he certainly benefited from a fast field.

On the second carry of his varsity career, Chapman ricocheted off a would-be tackler at the line and outran a linebacker to the corner for a 7-yard touchdown.

The two-point conversion gave the Thunder an 8-0 first-quarter lead, a noteworthy achievement for a program that struggled to score while going 2-8 last season.

Helping Chapman's cause was flyback David Campbell (10 carries, 38 yards), whose sweeps prevented the defense from stacking the middle.

Chapman didn't take the field in the second half -- he was sidelined with cramps -- but provided another thrill before leaving.

A key player on last year's unbeaten freshman team, Chapman took a handoff at the Stallions' 24 in the second quarter. He dashed into the hole and, seeing a linebacker in his path, cut to the sideline before going upfield -- outrunning the defense the final 20 yards to make it 14-0.

Kyle Davey tossed his second two-point pass and the Thunder was rolling. The 6-foot-4-inch senior was 7 of 10 passing for 97 yards, including a 15-yard TD to Hodari Peterson in the third quarter.

The Thunder defense had plenty to do with the victory, as well:

With BC up 8-0 in the second quarter, Daniel Bolser snared an errant throw in the secondary -- an interception that set up Chapman's second touchdown run.

With the Stallions threatening late in the first half, Bolser outjumped a receiver in the end zone to bat down a fourth-down pass and preserve a 16-0 lead.

Davey, doubling at outside linebacker, sacked the Stallions' quarterback and forced a fumble to set up his team's final score.

Bee staff writer Richard T. Estrada can be reached at restrada@modbee.com or 578-2300.