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The Mustangs faced a giant in the Richmond Foster Falcons this past Friday night, and although they lost, 17-14, they hung in the game to the end. Very few polls picked the game to even be close, but WO-S proved the naysayers wrong and held on, playing hard until the very end against a state ranked 5A team who has already scored over 200 points this season.

“We played very hard against a good team,” Head Coach Cornel Thompson said. “Overall we gave a great effort trying to win the game. Sometimes you don’t take much away from a loss, but all in all, we gained some things.”

Facing the home side, where black and gold clad players lined up from one 20-yard line to the other, the Mustangs stood tall and never acted like they were facing a giant. While the Mustang defense stopped the Richmond pass, the Falcon defense stopped the Mustang run game, forcing quarterback Jack Dallas to go to the air.

Dallas completed 17 of 37 attempts for 166 yards and one touchdown. Receiver and defensive back Deionte Thompson was the top target for Dallas with 7 catches for 115 yards, scoring both touchdowns, one on an interception from the Falcon’s Trevor Parker. “I tried my hardest all night, staying on the field for every defensive play and going out for offense some, too,” Deionte’ Thompson said. “I was trying to go all out to get the win for my team.”

The Chain Gang held Foster’s lead running back, who is averaging close to 200 yards a game, to 70 yards. Richmond Foster’s passing game, which has been unstoppable in the first four games, was held to less than 100 yards, forcing the Falcon’s to use their run game.

“Our kids gave a great effort, but we have some things to fix before district,” Coach Thompson said. “We are still looking for the right combination on offense and defense.”

The Mustangs will have one more opportunity to fine tune things before district when they face Newton this Friday in Newton. The Eagles are 1-3, but according to Thompson, cannot be overlooked.

“We can’t underestimate Newton this week,” Coach Thompson said. “We’ll see multiple formations and a lot of speed from them. They have a lot of skill people with size and speed, the first or second in state 100m guy and last years’ sprint relay team. And we are playing in Newton. You can bet that they will have eleven players that will match up.”

Newton beat Bridge City, 45-14, but lost to Tatum, 39-7; Henderson, 41-39 and most recently to Orangefield late in the fourth quarter, 26-20.

“But we can’t underestimate them,” Coach Thompson said. “Traditionally, they are a powerhouse in their division and will go deep in the playoffs.”

Tickets will only be on sale the night of the game at the stadium in Newton. Gates will open at 5:30 and ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students. To get to the stadium, take Hwy 87 North to Newton. Make a right on 190 toward Bon Weir. The stadium will be on the right.

The Mustangs JV and ninth grade team beat the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns. The JV won, 56-6, with Jaylen Mathews returning a 40 yard punt for a touchdown and also catching a 40 yard pass for a touchdown from KJ Miller. Jeremiah Shaw also had touchdown runs of 51 and 1 yards. Quinton Chargois recovered a fumble and ran it in for a touchdown. Offensive standouts were Miller, Shaw, Keion Hancock, and Thomas Wallace. Defensive standouts were Chargois, Jalen Powdrill, Torrien Burnett, and Rufus Joseph.

The freshmen team won, 26-0. Devonta Rantons threw a 26 yard pass to Blake Robertson for a touchdown. The two point conversion was run in by Jarron Gilbert. Gilbert also scored on a 15 yard run and quarterback Jordan Charles scored on a 1 yard run. Robertson also had a 46 yard punt return for a touchdown. Standouts on offense are Gilbert, Charles, Robertson and JaQuan Coleman. Defensive standouts are Jerrick Spencer, Paul Ivory, Kevin Richard and Trevon Tillman. Both teams are 5-0.

Thursday’s game against the Newton Eagles will be one game only, JV and freshmen combined, played at 5:30 at Dan R. Hooks Stadium.