The first phase of the season for West Orange-Stark came to an end with a solid win over Kennedale last week. As the Mustangs begin the start of district Coach Cornel Thompson says they are in good shape physically. Thompson informs there are the typical bumps and bruises, a few sore shoulders, and a few limping around with ankles from the wear and tear of the game after six contests, but overall the Mustangs are pretty healthy entering district play.
The first district game for the Mustangs is against the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns. Thompson indicates the Longhorns are young, but they do have some talent on offense. They run the Spread with a young freshman Marcus Morris at quarterback. Thompson compares Morris to former Longhorn standout Kendrick King at a similar age and adds Morris will throw the football. At tailback is Tyrece White who was sensational as a sophomore last year and is currently the second leading rusher among all the players in the district with 686 yards and six touchdowns in six games.
The Hamshire-Fannett defense will be tested by the potent West Orange-Stark Spread Offense. Coach Thompson evaluates the Longhorn’s defense. They use a 50 Defense and are a mirror image of the Mustangs on defense. Dillon Myers is a two-way starter in the line and is pretty fair at defensive tackle. Returning linebacker Matthew Peddycoart can play a little bit of defense according to Thompson. Hunter Spacek may be coming off an injury, but has been a quality defensive back for the Longhorns.
The district is a whole new season for West Orange-Stark, and Thompson is emphasizing the need for the Mustangs to step up their game. The coach wants a full 48-minute game from the Mustangs which he did not get from them last week despite the victory. He wants poise and execution from the team through the entire contest. Coach Thompson states, “We’re zero and zero now. Those first six games none of those points count, none of those victories count. It’s a new season, it’s the second phase of the season, and this is what we talk about when we talk to our players.”
Friday night is the district opener and homecoming for the West Orange-Stark Mustangs as they host the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns. The kickoff will be at 7:30 PM in Dan R. Hooks Stadium.
Social Media