Munising, MI – The Mustangs were able to secure their first win of the season in Newberry with a thrilling 28-27 victory over the Indians last Friday night. Led by junior quarterback Austin Kelto, the Mustangs were able to beat a Newberry team on the road with a game-winning touchdown & extra point, both scored by Kelto. The Mustangs did have fortune on their side for their last drive, including a 4th & 21 pass interference penalty on a hail mary that was knocked down by Newberry. Munising ran with the opportunity and eventually punched the ball into the end zone with a Kelto one yard touchdown run. The Junior quarterback was the Mustang offense from beginning to end, being involved on all four of Munising’s touchdowns with three rushing and one passing. He was able to finish with 194 yards on 21 carries and went 14/25 for 115 through the air.
This week the Mustangs travel to to Manistique to take on the Emeralds, their former MPC rival. Manistique has struggled out of the gate, going win-less in their first four contests. However, the Emeralds have had a pretty tough schedule to this point, playing defending MPC champion Negaunee, defending div-7 state champions Ishpeming, and also playing upstarts such as Gwinn and Norway. These teams combine to have a record of 12-4, so this is not a game that the Mustangs can take easily.
I consider there to be three keys to a Mustang victory over the Emeralds this Friday night.
1.) The Mustangs have to utilize Austin Kelto to the fullest. He has to be able to run the ball and pass the ball appropriately.
2.) While Kelto should be the focal-point offensively, he can’t be the only one doing work for the Mustangs. They have to have contributions from the likes of RB Cody Hayes, and receivers Andy Cooper, Jared Baij, & Garrett Blank if they want to have an effective & balanced attack.
3.) Containing the running game. The Emeralds feature three viable running threats: QB Tyler Kangas, RB Tony Floyd, and FB Michael Brock. These three make Manistique’s rushing attack very balanced with the outside ability of Kangas, the inside ability of Brock, and the combination ability of Floyd. If the Mustangs want to win this game, they’ll need to stay disciplined and tackle well.
Be sure to tune into AM 1400 this Friday night as Charlie Nebel will have the call. Pre-game is at 6:30pm and kickoff is at 7pm EST. Go Mutangs!
-C. L. Johnson
