YUKON – The Mustang Broncos sent a clear message to their Canadian County rival.
“We just had to let them know they’re still little brother,” quarterback Tristen Russell said after he and his teammates lifted the Bedlam trophy at Miller Stadium.
“It has become routine,” receiver Keegan Bass added.
The Broncos (3-1, 1-0) rolled to a 52-13 win over the Yukon Millers (1-3, 0-1) Friday night, notching the team’s fourth straight victory in the series while also getting off to a hot start in 6A-I District 2.
“It feels great knowing we’ve never lost to Yukon in football,” said Jacobe Johnson. He and his teammates also defeated the Millers in the 2020 playoffs. “It’s really five straight.”
Mustang’s offense was nearly unstoppable, racking up 560 total yards with seven scores.
Russell (Sr.) carved through Yukon’s defensive backfield with 269 passing yards and four touchdowns. He went 18-for-20, including 14 completions to Johnson and Bass, and attributes a steady mindset to his hot start this season.
“I feel good,” he said. “I just try to come in with that same mentality and preparation every week. It’s the same no matter who we play.”
A 37-yard touchdown completion from Russell to Johnson ignited the Bronco offense midway through the second quarter and gave Mustang a 10-3 lead. The teams exchanged field goals prior to the strike, including a 25-yard make by Mustang kicker Aiden Jordan (So.).
The Broncos closed out the first half with Russell’s second touchdown pass – a six-yard completion to ‘Bronco back’ Roman Rowalnd (Sr.) for a 17-3 advantage at the break.
Roman Rowland (Sr.) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Tristen Russell (Sr.) during Mustang’s 52-13 win over the Yukon Millers on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 at Miller Stadium in Yukon. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
Johnson (Sr.), who reeled off 175 yards total yards, broke the game open early in the third quarter, rushing for a 25-yard touchdown to give the Broncos a three-score lead.
The Oklahoma-commit carried four times for 42 yards and caught eight passes for 133 yards with two scores. He also stripped Yukon running back Jesse Eakers (Sr.) on the opening drive of the game, setting up Jordan’s first-quarter field goal.
Johnson and Russell’s second touchdown hookup came on the team’s ensuing drive. The two connected for a 51-yard strike that extended the lead to 31-3.
“I’m just trying to get my guys the ball and let them play,” Russell said.
After a second field goal by Yukon kicker Ethan Nakolo, Russell found his third touchdown target of the game. He hit Bass for a 41-yard strike, giving Mustang a 38-6 advantage.
Bass (Sr.), an Air Force-commit, caught six passes for 90 yards. He said the team had a great week of practice leading up to game.
Running backs Jay Bedford (Sr.) and Bryance Sanders (Jr.) iced the victory with a pair of fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns. Bedford led the team with 100 yards on 18 carries. Antone Prince (Sr.) had a big night as well, totaling 86 yards on seven attempts.
Yukon rushed for 206 yards, however, Mustang’s defense held the run-heavy Millers to just over four yards per carry and gave up only 49 passing yards.
Quarterback Logan Troxell (Sr.) rushed for 68 yards and Yukon’s only touchdown. Eakers rushed for 92 yards on 11 carries. Mustang defensive end Elijah Garcia (Sr.) sacked Troxell twice and had one more tackle for loss.
“We knew that the main thing would be to stop the run,” said Johnson, who doubles as a receiver and defensive back. “We have some really good DBs back there so we knew they wouldn’t be able to pass on us. The entire defense played great.”
The Broncos have now won two straight after defeating Springdale Her-Bar (Ark.) last week to close out non-district play. They host Owasso next week with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bronco Stadium.
Mustang’s defense brings down Yukon running back Jesse Eakers during the Broncos’ 52-13 win on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 at Miller Stadium in Yukon. The Broncos held the Millers to 255 total yards. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
