It’s finally playoff time in Mustang as the Broncos are set to host the Jenks Trojans tonight in the Class 6A-I quarterfinals.
It’s also rematch time for the Broncos and Trojans. The two teams met last year in the 6A-I semifinals – a 17-10 loss for the Broncos, who will have revenge on their minds tonight at Bronco Stadium.
Mustang spent last week preparing for a likely matchup against the Trojans, who defeated Edmond North last Friday in the opening round of the playoffs. The Broncos enjoyed a bye after finishing second in District 2 during the regular season.
Mustang rolled to an 8-2 record during the regular season – their only losses to Deer Creek and Union. Jenks finished third in District 1 after going 8-2 with losses to Union and Norman North.
Both teams are riding win streaks entering the matchup, including three in a row from the Broncos, who defeated Norman, Edmond North, and Edmond Memorial to round out the regular season slate. Jenks has won five in a row, including a 38-35 win over Bixby in Week 10.
What will be in store tonight at Bronco Stadium? Can the Broncos knock off the perennial power and advance to the semis for a second straight season? If a team is going to “upset” a Tulsa power, it’s widely considered Mustang would be the team to pull it off.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. tonight. Check out some notes and players to watch for the matchup:
- WHO: Mustang Broncos (8-2) v. Jenks Trojans (8-2)
- WHEN: Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at 7 p.m. CT
- WHERE: Bronco Stadium at 430 W. Forster Dr. in Mustang
- WHERE TO WATCH: www.MHSBroncoSports.tv
- WHERE TO LISTEN: 99.7 HANK FM
- WHERE TO FOLLOW: Facebook.com/MustangSportsReview & on Twitter @MustangReview
MUSTANG RUSHING ATTACK
The Broncos are one of the top rushing teams in the state, posting over 3,000 yards on the ground during the regular season.
Watch out for the team’s three-headed monster in the backfield, including seniors Jay Bedford (618 yards / 7 TD), Pryce Burgess (595 yards / 2 TD), and Antone Prince (455 yards / 4 TD). Senior quarterback Tristen Russell is also a major part of the attack, accounting for 370 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season.
If the Broncos intend on knocking off the Trojans, all three running backs as well as Russell and others will have to contribute with consistency. Offensive line play will also be key.
TRIO OF BRONCO RECEIVERS
Seniors Jacobe Johnson, Keegan Bass, and LeBryan Hayes have been the team’s most consistent threats in the passing game this season. They will likely need to hit on multiple big plays Friday night.
Johnson has caught 36 catches for 893 yards and 13 touchdowns while Bass has caught 51 for 848 and 11 scores. Hayes has added 422 yards with two scoring catches.
JENKS OFFENSIVE ATTACK
The Trojans rolled off 349 rusing yards in a 38-35 win over Bixby in the final week of the regular season. They followed with 274 against the Huskies last week in their playoff opener.
Jalyn Stanford, a University of Houston-commit, and Jaiden Carroll lead the team’s dynamic backfield as well as Jordan Schelling. Schelling led the team with 114 yards against Edmond North.
Jenks will likely look to ground and pound with the cold weather. Quarterback Ike Owens threw just 10 times against the Huskies, completing seven passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. He went just 5-for-8 for 80 yards against Bixby in Week 10.
MUSTANG DEFENSE
The Bronco defense might be one of the most underrated units in the Class 6A-I, but they will be tested tonight.
Mustang allows just 20.8 points and 324.6 yards per game, including 156.7 on the ground and 167.9 through the air. They allowed just 382 total yards against Edmond Memorial in the final week of the regular season.
Linebackers Hudson Conrad and Bear Meadows, who combined for 181 total tackles, will look to lead Mustang linebacking crew, which should stay busy throughout the game. Defensive tackle and recent Air-Force commit Kaden Jones will also have to take things up a notch against the Trojan offensive line.
PREDICTION: MUSTANG 24, JENKS 21
Some may call it an upset, but the Broncos have the firepower to score against the Trojans and have the playmakers to stop them.
The Broncos will have to play mistake-free football to pull off the win. They must also limit penalties and play smart.
Watch for Johnson and Bass to get loose on multiple plays and for the Broncos to strike through the air. The team’s rushing attack will also have to produce, but a balanced attack will be needed.
