The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The willingness to fight.

That’s what Head Coach Cornel Thompson said he loves most about his Mustangs who knocked out the Sinton Pirates in the last quarter of the game Friday night, scoring three touchdowns to win, 42-21.

Tied at 21 to start the fourth quarter, the Mustangs put on their boxing gloves and didn’t let up until they had the complete knock out. Junior Trey Baldwin had two scores and Deionte’ Thompson stunned the crowd with his unbelievable 101 yard punt return to seal the deal.

“We are thrilled to be here,” Thompson said. “We beat a good team in Sinton. Their quarterback had 2500 yards coming into the game and we held him to 72 rushing yards. That’s pretty good.”

The win punched the Mustangs ticket to the state championship game to be played Friday in Cowboy Stadium in Arlington against the Gilmer Buckeyes.

“We didn’t play real well during the first half the other night,” Thompson said. “But we were able to focus better the second half and we came out and just played our game. Bottom line is we won and we are still alive. We have a chance to win but it is going to take a great week of preparation and we will have to keep our focus on going into Arlington and playing our game. Anything short of 48 minutes and we won’t make it.”

As the Mustangs prepare for Gilmer, this past Friday’s game is still fresh on their minds.

Sinton struck first on their second play from scrimmage when quarterback Tyler Handson hit Mark Villareal on a 71 yard pass for a touchdown. The Mustangs answered back to start the second quarter with a touchdown of their own when Trey Baldwin crossed the goal line from 6 yards out on a fourth down play. Hector Vela’s kick was good and the game was tied at 7. Sinton scored again but the Mustangs again answered back with a touchdown of their own. Will Johnson took a direct snap 40 yards to the 1 yard line and on the next play, Jeremiah Shaw dove across the line for the score.

Right before the half, WO-S took the lead when Johnson did the honors from just one yard out. Vela’s PAT was good and the Mustangs went to the locker room leading 21-14.

Sinton scored in the third to tie the game at 21.

The Mustangs saved the best for last as they dominated the entire fourth quarter. Quarterback Jack Dallas hit Baldwin from 13 yards out for the score. Dallas, who had a 16 yard run to set up the score, finished the game with four carries for 28 yards.

Seven plays later, the Sinton punter made his biggest mistake of the night, punting to Deionte’ Thompson. Thompson fielded the ball in the end zone. With Sinton defenders surrounding him, Thompson stopped and then took off up the sideline, going 101 yards to put the Mustangs up, 35-21.

Thompson’s touchdown took the wind out of the Pirate’s sails while Baldwin was able to hit the end zone one more time as he ran right through the Sinton defense laying players out on the field on his 35 yard jaunt. Vela, who was perfect for the night, added the last PAT to finish up the scoring.

“Now we have a 48 minute game to prepare for,” Thompson said. “Everything we do now is business directed. We are not going sight-seeing, we are going for business.”

The Mustangs began preparing for Gilmer on Monday. Gilmer, who comes into the game undefeated, averages 61 points a contest. The Buckeyes run a spread offense and like to open up the field and run first. Senior Kris Boyd leads the ground game, while left-handed McLane Carter runs the offense. Blake Lynch is the go to receiver for Gilmer.

“We match up good on paper,” Thompson said. “They run a 50 defense just like we do and they swarm the ball. It’s going to come down to who has the greatest heart and who plays the hardest, the longest.”

The Mustangs are busy this week, not only preparing for the game, but taking finals. But out at the field house, it is business as usual, preparing for the last game at Jerry’s World.

“We just have to keep our focus going into Arlington,” Thompson said. “The only difference in this stadium and the last ones we’ve played in is that there is a roof on top. The field is still 53 yards wide and 100 yards long.”

Tickets for the game had to be sold early, Tuesday and then Wednesday morning ONLY from 9am-12. Tickets at the gate will be $15 and can also be bought on Ticketmaster.Parking at the stadium is $10. Gates will open at 10:30am and the Mustangs are the VISITING team. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest.

Fans may want to check out the guest info as follows for important information about the stadium: http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/guests/guestInfo.cfm

Be aware that a new bag policy is in effect at AT&T Stadium. NO BAGS, BACKPACKS, PURSES, DIAPER BAGS, etc. are allowed. This policy applies to NOISEMAKERSas well! No containers filled with rocks, BB's, etc will be allowed. Cowbells are allowed.

Many thanks to all of the Mustang fans who have come and supported the team, and also to all of the other local fans who have come to cheer on the Mustangs. The team and coaches hear the crowd and definitely appreciate it. Come out and support them this one last time and be a part of the last game of a great run.

Photo by Meri Elen Jacobs-Trey Baldwin and Josh Orebo celebrate after the first Mustang touchdown. Baldwin scored from six yards out and had two other touchdowns in the fourth quarter.