BUCKSPORT — The Bucksport Golden Bucks scored early and never trailed in edging the Foxcroft Academy Ponies 13-12 on Friday at Carmichael Field.

The win was the 100th for Bucksport coach Joel Sankey, who also was one of 13 initial inductees to the Bucksport High School Sports Hall of Fame who were honored last weekend.

Both teams had trouble taking care of the ball.

Bucksport saw a drive of more than 55 yards end with a fumble in the first period.

But the Golden Bucks put points on the board in the second quarter when junior running back Shawn Smith capped a scoring drive with a run up the middle from two yards out, and freshman Josh Gray booted the extra point for a 7-0 Bucksport lead.

With time running out in the first half, Chris Shorey of the Ponies broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run, but the point-after attempt was no good and the Bucks took a 7-6 lead off the field at halftime.

Both teams went scoreless through the third period, but the Golden Bucks scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 10:35 to go in the final quarter when Smith again fought his way into the end zone from two yards out.

Bucksport’s attempt to rush for a two-point conversion came up short, leaving the Golden Bucks with a 13-6 lead.

Foxcroft wasted no time in responding as Chase Small gathered in the Bucksport kickoff and raced 89 yards untouched for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 13-12.

But the Ponies also failed on their attempt for the two-point conversion and neither team managed to score again before time ran out.

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