Mustangs look to bounce back against Crosby

Published 9:04 am Wednesday, September 18, 2019

WEST ORANGE – After battling Class 3A Division I No. 1 Newton down to the wire last week before falling just short, the West Orange-Stark Mustangs will look to bounce back at home this week against the Class 5A Crosby Cougars at Hooks Stadium.

The Mustangs (2-1) played the Eagles hard last Friday and actually outgained the Eagles 252-246. However, some costly turnovers and a big trick play by Newton hampered the Mustangs in the tough loss.

Crosby has started their campaign 0-2 with losses to 5A strongholds New Caney (28-8) and Manvel (39-27).

The Cougars have been stout the last several years but are turning to a youth movement for new coach Jerry Prieto after a 7-3 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

The Cougars return seven starters, four on offense and three on defense.

The Crosby offense is definitely centered around quarterback Deniquez Dunn. Dunn has completed 16-of-45 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions and has rushed for 261 yards and two scores on 30 carries.

Running back Leondre Smith has 106 yards on 25 carries. Receiver Emonte Wilson has four catches for 145 yards and a TD while fellow receiver Hubert Mitchell has four catches for 50 yards.

The Mustangs will check in averaging 333 yards a game, 215.3 on the ground and 117.7 in the air.

WO-S quarterback Jerren Terrell has completed 31-of-51 passes for 353 yards and two TDs.

Mustang tailback Elijah Gales has zipped for 425 yards and six TDs on 55 carries. Jayson Ziegler leads the Mustangs with six receptions while Artavious Samuel has five catches for 107 yards and Jadon Jones hauled in a 68-yard TD pass from Terrell against Newton.

The Mustang defense is allowing just 231 yards a gam, 138.3 on the ground and 92.7 in the air.

The Mustangs will remain in non-district play next week with a trip to Bridge City to face the Cardinals while the Cougars open up District 12-5A Division II play at home against the Vidor Pirates.