By Josh Hoggard
The undefeated Midwestern State Mustangs weathered a storm and created thunder of their own at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
The Mustangs continued their strong running attack that has become their standard for the year. Three different running backs and the quarterback found the end zone Saturday night, collecting a total of 308 total rushing yards.
Quarterback Brandon Kelsey continued to get it done, throwing for 142 yards and a score and rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown.
While the passing offense has been potent all season, it continues to be the running game that comes through for the Mustangs. Saturday’s win marks the fifth straight game that the Mustangs have rushed for over 290 yards.
While the numbers were great for MSU, the game didn’t start off looking promising for the Mustangs.All the rain and weather aside, Tarleton state jumped to a quick 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter after a few stumbles by the Mustangs. A mishandled punt and poorly executed coverage led the Texans to score quickly and early.
But, that’s the only noise the Texans would make for the rest of the game.In between those two scores, Running Back Keidrick Jackson scored his first of two rushing touchdowns.
Two minutes into the second quarter, Jackson put up his second rushing score from two yards out to give the Mustangs their second lead of the game.Ten minutes later, Tarleton was called for a hold in their end zone, awarding a safety to the Mustangs to put the good guys up 16-13.
On the ensuing drive for the Mustangs, Brandon Kelsey ran it in from 33 yards out to put the Mustangs ahead 23-13 at the half.
Five minutes into the second half, Kelsey marked his only passing touchdown to receiver David Little for a 27 yard score.
Three minutes after, Lester Bush scored from a yard out to put the Mustangs ahead 37-13 heading into the final quarter of the game.
For the final flash of brilliance that was the storm of the Mustangs game on Saturday, Running Back Jimmy Pipkin made the Texan’s defense look foolish by scoring on an 83 yard run with 11 minutes left in the game. That score would hold, and the Mustangs marched on to their fifth straight win, 44-13.
Lester Bush finished the day with 43 yards on 11 carries and a score. Pipkin recorded 155 yards on 14 carries and a score. Keidrick Jackson put up 55 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown.
David Little led the receiving core with 7 catches for 65 yards and a score. Edgard Thellar had a 20 yard reception, Kelvin Swanson had three catches for 36 yards. The Mustangs defense pressured the quarterback and forced an interception. The Mustangs recorded eleven tackles for losses.
The Mustangs travel to take on Angelo State this Saturday.