Mustangs chasing history, Tigers

Published 6:40 am Wednesday, October 10, 2018

WEST ORANGE — History will be made no matter what when the West Orange-Stark Mustangs line up against the Silsbee Tigers in their District 10-4A Division II opener at Hooks Stadium Friday night.

The Mustangs will try to make it “sweet” after battling through what has been a “rough-and-tumble” non-district schedule that has them sitting at 2-4 as they gear up for the Tigers, who will check in at 3-3.

WO-S has a lot of festivities planned as the program will officially become the state’s all-time winningest program in the state of Texas.

The Mustangs currently stand at 399-97-3 through 499 games for a winning percentage of .799 as they will also be seeking their 400th win in program history.

WO-S will look to regroup after dropping a tough 34-24 decision to the undefeated Jasper Bulldogs last week.

The Mustangs’ four losses have been against teams that are currently 20-0 combined. Both Jasper and Newton are ranked No. 1 in their regions; Crosby is No. 2 and Nederland No. 4 in their 5A region.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have shook off a tough 0-3 start to win their last three games.

The two squads have had three common non-district opponents.

WO-S fell to undefeated Nederland 19-18 and Silsbee fell to the Bulldogs 21-14. Class 3A No. 1-ranked Newton defeated the Mustangs 21-0 and roughed up the Tigers 56-14. Both teams beat Bridge City as the Mustangs defeated the Cardinals 21-0 and the Tigers downed BC 48-14.

The Tigers like to spread things out with their offense but have featured the running game well with the likes of back Chris Martin and Antonius Arline. Both backs have zipped over 100 yards in a game more than once this season and both were over the 100-yard mark in the win over the Cardinals.

Tiger quarterback Dralyn Taylor has gotten it done on the ground and in the air and had a stout passing night in a 35-13 win over Lumberton. The Tigers nailed down an impressive 21-6 win on the road against Longview Spring Hill last week.

The Mustang defense will look to slow down the Tiger offense after having WO-S had their toughest outing last week in Jasper, in which they allowed the Bulldogs 439 total yards, including 373 yards and five touchdowns to explosive Jasper back Montavien Hunt.

WO-S is still only allowing 242 yards a game this season, 191.3 on the ground and 50.7 in the air.

The Mustangs piled up 389 yards of their own against the Bulldogs but penalties and turnovers proved costly at times.

The Mustangs are averaging 319.2 yards a contest, 162 rushing and 157.2 passing.

Quarterback Tyrone Wilson has completed 36-of-74 passes for 566 yards with three TDs and three interceptions. Fellow quarterback Jerren Terrell has completed 19-of-44 passes for 325 yards and four TDs with four picks.

WO-S senior tailback Kavyn Cooper, who has nursed a gimpy ankle throughout the season, had 86 yards and three TDs on 18 carries against Jasper and now has 305 yards and three TDs on 63 totes for the season. Justin Sibley has darted for 254 yards and three scores on 45 carries while Wilson has dashed for 183 yards and three TDs on 40 carries.

The Mustangs have connected on big pass plays throughout the season. Jay’zn Robinson leads the way with 16 catches for 220 yards and a TD. Brettlin Wiley has been a deep threat with seven grabs for 236 yards and three TDs while Deiond’re Hawthorne has 6 catches for 156 yards and a score.

The Mustangs have also received a nice effort from kicker Angel Ibarra, who has drilled four field goals and 12 extra points.

In the other 10-4A matchup Friday the Hardin-Jefferson Hawks (2-4) will welcome in Hamshire-Fannett (4-2) while Liberty (4-1) has a bye.

The Mustangs will have their bye next week and will visit H-J Oct. 26 while the Tigers host H-J next week.