Fans were treated to a dominating performance at this year’s Homecoming game. The Mustangs routed the UT Permian Basin Falcons 76-21.
After a disappointing loss to West Texas A&M last week, the Mustangs efforts were geared towards improving on all sides of the ball.
“We had a tough last game, so this week was about refocusing on the fundamentals and just worry about improving,” Islam Sbeih, junior guard, said.
UT Permian Basin is a first-year program, so the Mustangs players said they didn’t know what to expect against their Lone Star Conference rivals.
“We wanted to respond big. It was our first time playing them so it was a who’s who of what to expect,” Head Coach Bill Maskill said.
In the first quarter alone, the Mustangs put up 35-points over the Falcons. Sophomore running back, Vincent Johnson scored the first two touchdowns. Deandre Black, junior wide receiver, ran back 67-yard punt return score. Jordan Meyers, senior rover, scored next off a Falcon fumble. The quarter ended with Gary Farquhar, sophomore tight end, scoring a 10-yard touchdown.
Maskill pulled starting senior quarterback Quade Coward halfway through the second quarter. The second and third string teams saw playing time the rest of the game as the score went up.
“It’s very low intensity since along the sideline since we started pulling ahead. It’s great though because the second and third string guys get experience,” Maria Powell, senior assistant football trainer, said.
The UT Permian Basin Falcons eventually scored in the second quarter, bringing the score to 56-7 at the end of the half. After the halftime homecoming festivities, the Mustangs continued their strong performance. The Mustangs recovered their own blocked field goal which led to another touchdown. The Falcons scored again with 0:21 seconds left in the third quarter.
A few miscues, such as a botched Falcons punt that hit a Mustangs player in the back, allowed the Falcons to recover their own ball. That drive ultimately led to a Falcon touchdown. Mustang 54-yard touchdown with 1:20 left in the fourth quarter was the last scoring play.
Paul Manus, junior redshirted safety, watched his team from the stands.
“I am proud of our guys. We never came in with a big head. After last week’s experience, I think that we showed that the loss was a fluke,” Manus said. “It’s definitely a confidence builder.”
Maskill agreed with Manus, but said he still wants the team to focus on next week despite the big win.
“It’s important to enjoy the win tonight and get healthy. Tomorrow we will start planning to face a tough opponent next week,” Maskill said.
The Mustangs will be away next week where they will face Tarleton State on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.
