East Chambers’ Justin Devillier tackled Buna quarterback Ryan Sheppard on an attempted two-point conversion run with 1:06 left in the game to preserve the Bucs’ thrilling 34-33 District 24-2A shootout here Friday night.

In this battle of undefeated 7-0 teams (3-0 in league play), Devillier’s tackle may be the biggest play in East Chambers entire season, as the Bucs take over sole possession of first place with just two games remaining.

EC moves to 8-0 and 4-0 in district play, while Buna falls to 7-1 and 3-1.

Tony Valastro’s Bucs led 34-20 going into the fourth period on the strength of quarterback Tramain Thomas’ touchdown runs of 2, 58, 5 and 3 yards, and linebacker Carlos Trevino’s 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Trevino also booted four PATs in the contest.

Buna mounted a comeback in the fourth period scoring 13 points on the strength of a Sheppard one-yard plunge, and a 20-yard scoring pass to Trenton Allen.

East Chambers had a chance to put this one away late in the game, but fumbled it away at the Cougar 30-yard line with 3:35 to play. Buna then drove all the way to paydirt and Sheppard’s one-yard TD run with 1:06 remaining left the visitors trailing by one point.

But instead of going to the tie and overtime, Buna head coach Bradley Morgan elected to go for the win, but Devillier’s two-point conversion tackle of Sheppard ruined the Cougar gallant comeback.

After Buna was stopped short on the potential go-ahead conversion run, they tried an onside kick, but EC recovered it. The Bucs, though, were penalized for offsides and Buna go one last try.

The second time, though, the Cougars recovered the onsides kick and still had some life.

But blue chip safety Thomas intercepted a Sheppard pass at the EC 30, and Thomas took a knee and ran out the clock to preserve the win.

Thomas also had another interception and ran for 179 yards on 23 carries. Thomas’ first interception halted a Buna scoring drive at the two late in the second quarter.

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