Mustang Insider

When two tradition rich football teams hook up, someone is going to go home with a loss.

And that is exactly what happened to the WO-S Mustangs Friday night when they showed up in Newton to play the Eagles and got beat, 19-7. “We just weren’t ready mentally,” Head Coach Cornel Thompson said. “We got hit in the mouth and we just didn’t respond. I take the blame for the loss. I didn’t get them ready to play.”

It seemed that things were going the Mustangs way at the beginning of the game. Kalen Garrett stopped a beautiful Trey Baldwin punt at the one yard line toward the end of the first quarter. However, Newton was able to take the ball 99-yards for the first score of the game, and the Mustangs seemed to never quite recover, even though they had a chance with a Trey Spencer interception and two recovered fumbles.

“We played four pretty good ball games to start the season,” Thompson said. “But the last two were tough and we didn’t respond positively. We just can’t win a district title like this.”

The Mustangs lone touchdown came late in the third after quarterback Jack Dallas set up a first and goal on the one yard line on a nice run. Baldwin did the honors by taking the handoff and bruising his way across the goal line. Kicker Hector Vela’s PAT was good and the Mustangs finally were on the board.

The Mustangs celebrate Homecoming this week, playing host to the Liberty Panthers. The Panthers come in with a 2-4 record, winning their last two games.

“It’s our history to win our homecoming game,” Thompson said. “We are going to focus totally on the Liberty Panthers. I told the guys to be sure to take part in the homecoming festivities as long as it doesn’t interfere with our practice and preparation. There wouldn’t be a homecoming if there wasn’t a game.”

According to Thompson, Liberty has speed and has power in their game. This last week, they changed their offense from a power wing T to the spread. They are led by quarterback Darrien Mallett and Tino Briggs.

“Their defense will flat come after us,” Thompson said. “We just have to accept the challenge.”

The Homecoming game begins at 7:30pm at Dan R. Hooks Stadium Friday night. Tickets ($5 for adults and $2 for students) will go on sale in the WO-S athletic office Wednesday, 1-3,Thursday, 9-12 and 1-3 and Friday, 9-12 only. All tickets sold at the gate are $5.

The combined team of the freshmen and JV beat Newton Thursday night at home, 56-6.

To start the scoring, Ronald Carter had a 16 yard touchdown reception from quarterback KJ Miller.

Quinton Chargois blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown.

Malacci Hodge recovered a fumble on defense and also scored on a 60 yard pass from Miller.

Jarron Gilbert scored two touchdowns and a two point conversion, running 11 and 5 yards for the scores.

Miller had a five yard touchdown run.

Thomas Wallace caught two passes for two point conversions.

Keion Hancock had a 78 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Malek Edwards scored a 2 point conversion and a 23 yard touchdown run.

Offensive standouts were Carter, Gilbert, Wallace and Miller.

Defensive standouts were Rufus Joseph (blocked punt), Hodge, Devien Teate, Chargois, and Paul Ivory.

The sub varsity will play only one game Thursday in Liberty, beginning at 5:30.

The Mustangs began homecoming week with a parade, community pep rally and block party Monday evening. The Homecoming court will be introduced again at the Black Out pep rallyFriday beginning at 3:15 in the Main gym. The king will be crowned at that time. The court will be introduced again at half time of the game and the Homecoming queen will be crowned at that time.

Photo: Mustang David Bundage hits Newton's Ronnie Elam after Trey Baldwin slows him down.

RECORD PHOTO: Meri Elen Jacobs