EDMOND – Sam Dollar called on each member of Mustang’s scout team offense to stand and be recognized on Thursday.
“You guys made tonight a lot easier,” he said.
Mustang’s defensive coordinator thanked each of the standing players following the team’s 19-0 shutout win over Edmond Santa Fe.
Dollar praised their effort and intensity level in preparing the Bronco defense for the Wolves’ ground-and-pound game plan.
“They got us ready and helped us put in the work,” said defensive tackle Louie Jones (So.), who helped spearhead a Mustang defensive attack that allowed just 136 total yards.
The Broncos (5-1, 3-0) held the Wolves (0-6, 0-3) to 123 rushing yards, including just 2.7 yards per carry.
“Fitting your gap, wrapping up, and holding on,” said linebacker Hudson Conrad (Sr.), referencing the keys to bottling up Santa Fe running back Demarius Robinson, who rushed for 73 yards on 21 carries. “Do what you can and do your job. Those were the main things we focused on.”
Mustang forced seven punts and allowed just 10 first downs on route to the team’s third straight win in Class 6A-I District 2. The Wolves moved the ball across midfield only three times, including once in the second half.
The Broncos, who also pounded the rock with 41 carries for 164 rushing yards, struck first late in the first quarter, taking a 7-0 lead on a 12-yard touchdown run by running back Pryce Burgess (Sr.).
Jay Bedford (Sr.) made it 13-0 in the second quarter with a four-yard dash followed by a failed two-point conversion attempt.
“They had a good game plan and gave us a tough look on the defensive side,” Mustang coach Lee Blankenship told radio announcer Chris Needham after the game. “It was opposite of what we expected. They lined up and said you’re going to have to beat us running it.
“That really opened the door for our three workhorse backs to prove they can win the game running between the tackles.”
Bedford led Mustang with 62 yards on 14 carries while Antone Prince (Sr.) and Burgess combined for 67 yards. Receivers Jacobe Johnson (Sr.) and LeBryan Hayes (Sr) added 35 yards on four carries.
The Broncos extended the lead to 19-0 with a 25-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Tristen Russell (Sr.) to Hayes. The ball was nearly picked off, but Hayes stayed locked in, snagged the pass, and dashed down the sideline for the score.
LeBryan Hayes (Sr.) lines up for a play during Mustang’s 19-0 win over Edmond Santa Fe on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at Wolves Stadium in Edmond. Hayes led the Broncos with seven catches for 82 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown reception. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
“That’s a tough catch,” Blankenship said. “The ball kind of floated a little bit and the kid almost got his hand on it. Great job by LB to bring it in and make a big play for us.”
Hayes paced the Broncos with seven catches for 82 yards.
Mustang’s passing attack took what the Wolves offered. Russell still passed for 139 yards on 16 completions.
The Broncos forced two punts in the second half before Jones sealed the victory with a tackle-for-loss, bringing down Santa Fe quarterback Daniel Newton on fourth down of the Wolves’ final drive.
Jones had a coming out party Thursday night.
Blankenship said the 6-foot-1, 265-pound sophomore, who moved from Kansas in the offseason, “destroyed” Santa Fe’s interior line.
“He played his tail off and was a key component to keeping them from getting first downs,” the team’s fourth-year coach said. “He’s a big, strong kid and when we first saw him after he moved to Mustang, we were like ‘wow’.”
Conrad praised his defensive mate as well.
“Louie has been slowly rotating in and always knows where to be,” Conrad said. “He’s a great kid that always has a smile on his face and is ready to work.
“He got his opportunity and made the most of it tonight.”
The Broncos now turn their focus to a Week 7 matchup against the Union Redskins.
Union (6-0, 2-0) sits just four district points ahead of Mustang in the 6A-I District 2 standings. The Redskins defeated Norman 42-28 on Thursday.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. next Thursday at Bronco Stadium.
Senior linebacker Hudson Conrad (34) and the Mustang defense allowed just 136 total yards in a 19-0 win over Edmond Santa Fe on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at Wolves Stadium in Edmond. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
