Mustang Insider

Meri Elen Jacobs

For The Record

After a stellar season last year, where the 2015 Mustangs brought home the state title, fans were eager to see just how good the 2016 team was going to be…and those guys have not disappointed, winning both game situation scrimmage against 5A teams Port Neches-Groves and Vidor.

The Mustangs beat the Indians, 19-7 and were able to play several of the young guys in the second half. The same happened against Vidor, where WO-S finished with a 35-19 victory.

“I thought that we were further ahead than years past because of our experience and retention,” Head Coach Cornel Thompson said. “We are still looking for a few spots to solidify on both offense and defense and are trying to improve our depth.”

On offense, the coaches are playing several at guard, looking for a good fit, according to Thompson.

“We are also looking for a receiver that can stretch the field, the position that TJ Wallace played last year,” Thompson said.

The third phase of the game, the kicking has tremendously improved from last year.

“So far, I have been happy with the kicking game, even though they haven’t been pressured in their kicking situations in the scrimmages,” Thompson said. “We are much improved from last year with Chad Dallas and Paulino Santos sharing the kickoff and field goal/extra point duties.”

The Mustangs will face Nederland, a team that they hold a 26-6 record over, for the home opener at Dan R. Hooks Stadium at 7:30pm.

“Nederland is Nederland,” Thompson said. “This game is a great opener for both of us. Nederland is very well coached on both sides of the ball. Both of us will have to play and coach 48 minutes.”

Nederland, like WO-S, has a history of great football. Both teams have had consistent personnel, with many players having fathers that have played for the same coaches.

“If it isn’t the game of the week, it should be,” Thompson said. “It will be a packed house here Friday night.”

The sophomore and JV teams will play at Nederland beginning at 5 on Thursday. Tickets for the varsity game will go on sale Wednesday, August 24 1-3pm, Thursday, August 25, 9-12 and 1-3pm and Friday, August 26 9-12 only. Prices are $5 for reserved tickets and $3 for students. All tickets at the gate are $5.