Young Mustangs set to face Indians, Reservation

Published 9:04 am Wednesday, September 2, 2015

WEST ORANGE – Talk about a test.

A young West Orange-Stark Mustang unit could arguably be facing their most deepest and talented opponent of the season Friday night when they go marching to The Reservation to take on the Port Neches-Groves Indians.

The Mustangs (1-0) took down the LC-M Bears 26-13 in their season opener last week to win the Orange Bowl. Meanwhile, the Indians (1-0) buried Clear Lake 52-0 behind, perhaps, the best offense in Southeast Texas.

WO-S defeated the Indians 33-27 in an overtime thriller at Hooks Stadium last season as the Mustangs wound up zipping all the way to the 4A Division II State Championship game. The Indians finished 7-4 last year and fell in the bidistrict round of the 5A playoffs.

WO-S picked up 388 total yards against the Bears last week. Mustang quarterback Jack Dallas completed 18-of-24 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Receivers Keion Hancock and KJ Miller combined for 9 catches for 158 yards and three scores while running back Malech Edwards zipped for 108 yards on 15 totes.

The Mustang defense limited the Bears to 186 total yards and just six first downs.

Clear Lake simply had no answer for the Indians as PN-G was able to dart out to a 35-0 lead by halftime.

PN-G piled up 484 total yards and an improved defense limited Clear Lake to just 60 yards and forced three turnovers and gave up just 24 rushing yards on 26 carries.

Indian quarterback Adam Morse picked up where he left off last year in which he threw for 2,977 yards and 31 TDs. Against Clear Lake, he was 23-of-37 for 306 yards and tossed five TD passes.

Indian receiver Jack Giblin hauled in nine catches for 104 yards and a score. PN-G has a versatile back in Cody Cropper. Against Clear Lake, Cropper rushed for 76 yards on 13 carries and a TD and snared five catches for 89 yards and two TDs.

Last season the Indianjs led the Mustangs 27-13 at the half before the Mustangs rallied back for a huge win.

WO-S finished with 375 total yards that night while the Indians had 348. Morse was 16-of-3 for 226 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. WO-S used a tough ground game against the Indians as Grant LaPoint-Teate had 167 yards on 25 carries and Will Johnson rushed for 98 yards on 21 carries.

The Mustangs will return home next week when they welcome in the Jasper Bulldogs.