Last week West Orange-Stark faced an explosive Robinson Rockets team which the Mustangs defused for another solid victory. Coach Cornel Thompson was pleased with the performance, but was unhappy with some extracurricular activity on the football field. Some of the Rockets were trash talkers and a least one tried to take a punch at the Mustangs. The coach was concerned with his players showing a lack of discipline by retaliating. Thompson was worried how West Orange-Stark would play on defense against the first Spread team it has faced in several weeks, but complimented the Mustangs saying, “We played dang hard.”
This week West Orange-Stark will play the Bellville Brahmas. Thompson indicates it is pretty clear who the Mustangs have to stop in the Bellville offense. Mac Briscoe has averaged close to 2,000 yards for both last season and this year from his fullback position in the Brahmas’ Slot T offense. Briscoe can definitely tote the mail according to Thompson, “He’s a good player.”
On defense the Brahmas are very good. Coach Thompson indicates Bellville uses some four and some five-man fronts on defense. Traditionally, the Brahmas play very physical football especially on the defensive side of the ball, and Thompson believes this year’s team is no different than the past.
Middle linebacker Dylan Jackson is a rock in the center of the defense. He reportedly can squat 650 pounds and has started all four years at Bellville. In the front defensive wall are Tyler Apke and Diego Muniz that do not allow many holes for opponents to find running room. Thompson is of the opinion both the cornerbacks Connor McIntyre and Chancellor Leaks are improved from last year.
The game is a rematch of last year’s Region 3 Finals won by the Mustangs. Thompson says this Bellville squad is very comparable to last year’s team with four starters back on a strong defensive team. The Brahmas have six starters back on offense including their star Briscoe.
The coach provides the keys for another Mustang triumph on Friday. They have to win the offensive, defensive, and especially the kicking game. He points out there really was no kicking game last week because Robinson never punted going for it on fourth down nine times against West Orange-Stark. Thompson is optimistic that the Mustangs can get good field position and possibly points with its return game this week. Coach Thompson emphasizes the most important key of the game is the Mustangs’ defense must keep Bellville from controlling the football with Briscoe and its Slot T thus keeping it away from the West Orange-Stark offense.
The Mustangs and Brahmas play Friday night in Porter at Texan Drive Stadium. The game will be carried live on KOGT beginning at 6:00 PM. A rebroadcast of the game can be heard Saturday morning at 7:00.
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