Buccilli's football days were fulfilling

In his 13 years as Hubbard's head football coach, Jeff Bayuk couldn't think of another player so willing to work hard, adapt to change, persevere and still smile.
"I don't think I've had a player like him who was able to do so many things," Bayuk said of senior Chris Buccilli.
"He was an excellent tackler in the open field, a strong runner, yet he had tailback-like quickness with the strength of a fullback. Besides that, he was an excellent kicker and good at covering the pass on defense. I don't know if anyone's had those combinations."
Because Hubbard missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons, players turned in their uniforms this week. When the workmanlike Buccilli returned jersey No. 5, it marked the culmination of a two-letter career for the Eagles.
Resilient
Like the tightly stitched thread in his monograms, the 5-8, 195-pounder didn't unravel through seasons that saw him shift offensive and defensive roles, while handling kickoff, field goal and extra point duties.
Buccilli, literally, got his foot in the door as a kicker, joining the varsity squad following the conclusion of the freshman team's season in 2000. He was brought up and made some PATs during a three-game post-season.
"He was elevated as a freshman because he had such a strong leg," Bayuk said of the youth league soccer player-turned-football player.
He backed up tailback Anthony Smith, was backup outside linebacker and played all special teams as a sophomore, then moved to fullback as a junior. Defensively, he shifted to inside linebacker for his junior and senior seasons.
"He was excellent on special teams and made a lot of tackles as a sophomore," Bayuk said.
Made move
His move to fullback not only filled a hole left by graduated players Jerad Jordan and Antonio Owens, but also opened up the tailback position for transfer Shaun Lane.
"In order to keep that same speed and power at fullback, we decided to put him into that position," Bayuk said. "He was willing to jump in and play where he could help the team. That's the kind of senior leadership we need."
Buccilli, who is the team's strongest pound-for-pound player, according to Bayuk, missed three games this season after a kneecap popped out of place against Liberty.
Because it forced Buccilli to the sidelines for the first time, it was hard for him to watch.
"He had been so active," Bayuk said. "But he channeled that energy by supporting teammates and his replacement at kicker, sophomore Ed Palestro."
When Buccilli returned, he continued playing fullback, but also started at linebacker against Girard. Bayuk said he changed personnel to counter spread offense teams.
"We wanted more speed at linebacker. He did an excellent job on pass coverage. That's one of the big reasons we were able to stop their offense. He adapted very well."
Fun person
But it's not only versatility that distinguishes him.
"He's popular with the kids and keeps everyone laughing," Bayuk said. "He has a good personality. I don't think there's anyone on the team who doesn't get along with him."
Whether playing behind the heralded Smith (at Syracuse) or with Lane (verbally committed to Ohio State), Buccilli was a big contributor on teams with a combined 27-3 record.
As a junior, Buccilli recalls throwing a block that sprang Lane for a 75-yard touchdown run in a playoff loss to Steubenville.
"It was a toss to Shaun, so we went outside. I hit a linebacker and knocked him back, then I knocked a defensive back on the ground. It felt good."
Jersey-wise, Buccilli was 5, Lane 4 and Smith 3.
But Bayuk sees his departing fullback as No. 1 for working hard, adapting, persevering and smiling.
"He's a program kid, for sure. We're really going to miss him."
XJohn Bassetti is a sportswriter for The Vindicator. Write him at bassetti@vindy.com.