The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

A pristine 13-0 season came to an end for the West Orange-Stark Mustangs on Friday. The Navasota Rattlers remain undefeated 14-0 after stunning WOS 38-7.

The Mustangs only score came by courtesy of the famed Chain Gang defense on a blocked punt recovery on the 3 yard line in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs turned the ball over six times including three pass interceptions, one for a touchdown, and a fumble. Seven penalties against the state's No. 1 ranked Navasota was more than WOS could overcome.

Both teams were undefeated going into the state quarterfinal round of the 2012 playoffs at Turner Stadium in Humble. The Mustangs, with nine shutouts for the season, were considered to have the best defense in the state facing Navasota touted as the state's best offense. Ultimately, Navasota simply performed as a superb state championship caliber football team on a night when little went well for the Mustangs.

Navasota senior Austin Collins scored four touchdowns; two as receiver, one as quarterback and another on a pass interception. Rattler quarterback Kadarius Baker was 10 of 16 passing for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Navasota had 314 total yards rushing. Rattler sophomore place kicker Michel Martinez kicked a 44 yard field goal keeping him perfect 12 for 12 on the season.

The Mustangs had 221total yards. Senior quarterback Jimmy Salter passed for 99 yards. Chase Rutledge scored from the 3 yard line on first and goal following a blocked punt recovery by the Chain Gang defense.

Navasota will advance to take on either Bellville or Port Isabel in the Class 3A Division 2 semifinal round next week at Cabiness Complex in Corpus Christi.

See the upcoming editions of the County Record and the Penny Record newspapers for a complete wrap-up of a remarkable season for the WOS Mustangs by columnist and photographer Meri Elen Jacobs.