The Mustang Broncos square off against the Class 6A-II Deer Creek Antlers tonight, looking to move to 2-0 in non-district play and avenge a 24-21 loss from 2022.
- WHO: Mustang Broncos (1-0) vs Deer Creek Antlers( 1-1)
- WHEN: Tonight at 7:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Antler Stadium in Edmond
- LAST MATCHUP: Deer Creek 24, Mustang 21 (2022)
- 2022 RECORDS: Mustang (8-3), Deer Creek (10-2)
- WATCH LIVE: Watch live at www.MHSBroncoSports.TV
- LISTEN LIVE: 99.7 The Wolf
For the recap from Mustang’s win over Southmoore in Week 1 CLICK HERE.
Now let’s take a look at some headlines and what to watch for leading up to tonight’s matchup.
BRONCOS OUT FOR REVENGE
The Broncos and Antlers played a classic at Bronco Stadium last season, ending with a 24-21 Deer Creek win. Mustang nearly pulled off a comeback, outscoring the Antlers 21-10 in the second half.
The Broncos put up 527 total yards compared to Deer Creek’s 332, but a pair of turnovers and zero first-half points ultimately cost Mustang. Coach Lee Blankenship’s squad surely hasn’t forgotten last year’s results and could use it as even more motivation tonight.
ANSWER FOR JADEN JOHNSON & MUSTANG RECEIVING CORPS?
Wide receiver Jaden Johnson (So.) had a breakout game in Week 1, pulling in eight receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He was all over the field with catches on short out-routes as well as a 63-yard bomb.
The Broncos have plenty of targets, including L.B. Hayes (Sr.) who also caught a touchdown pass last week. Jaden’s twin brother, Jaytee (So.) caught three passes against Southmoore while Tymere Hollingsworth (Sr.) reeled in four grabs. Zarian Kendell (Jr.) caught a 15-yard touchdown pass as well.
Will Deer Creek’s defense have the answer Southmoore couldn’t find? Or will the Bronco receivers run rampant two weeks straight?
DEER CREEK OFFENSE & QB GRADY ADAMSON
Deer Creek’s offense is led by junior signal caller Grady Adamson, who has seven D-1 offers, including North Texas, Pittsburgh, Tulsa, and UNLV. He passed for over 2,800 yards and 33 touchdowns last year, which included 271 yards against Mustang with one score.
Seven other starters returned from 2022, including receivers Mason Smith (Jr.) and Colton Neal (Sr.). The duo combined for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdown receptions.
Mason Miller (Sr.), who rushed for two scores in the team’s loss to Deer Creek in Week 1, racked up over 600 yards in 2022. Toran Smith (Sr.) holds down the fort along the team’s offensive line, owning offers from Navy, East Central, Pitt State, and UCO.
The Antlers put up 439 yards against Edmond Memorial last week, including 258 yards rushing on 38 carries. Adamson passed for 181 yards with one interception.
BRONCO DEFENSE: BLACK CLOUDS IN EDMOND?
Mustang’s defense allowed just 316 total yards to Southmoore in Week 1 and forced two interceptions.
Caston “Bear” Meadows (Sr.) recorded a game-high 17 tackles while Waleed Gaines Jr. (Jr.) and Charles Rangel-Lucio (Sr.) came away with the team’s interceptions. Defensive lineman Louie Jones (Jr.) and linebacker Parker Sorrell (So.) finished with one sack apiece.
The Broncos only allowed 332 total yards to the Antlers in last year’s matchup, including just 61 yards on the ground. How will defensive coordinator Waleed Gaines draw up the gameplan after the Antlers rushed for over 250 yards in Week1?
INEXPERIENCED ANTLER DEFENSE
Deer Creek returned only three starters from last year’s starting defense.
Kevin Shenje (Sr.) racked up 11 sacks in 2022 while Eli Donohue (Sr.) recorded six. However, Brady Brewer (Jr.) is the team’s only experienced linebacker and totaled just 23 tackles last year.
The Antlers gave up 579 yards to the Bulldogs last week, including 462 through the air and 117 on the ground. Kansas-commit David McComb threw four touchdown passes in the 34-31 thriller.
Mustang’s offense put on a show in Week 1. Can quarterback Trajan Williamson (Jr.) and offensive coordinator Cody McDaniel’s unit continue their hot start? The Broncos put up over 500 yards in last year’s matchup. Will it be more of the same?
PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE
Mustang reached the Class 6A-I quarterfinals last season, falling to Jenks 34-31. Deer Creek reached the Class 6A-II state championship game and fell to Bixby 69-6.
PREDICTION
The Broncos proved in Week 1 that they aren’t necessarily regrouping on offense this season, they just had to retool. And with just three returning starters on a unit that gave up nearly 600 yards in Week 1, that spells trouble for the Antlers.
With more experience defensively and plenty of firepower offensively, the Broncos roll to 2-0.
MUSTANG 35, DEER CREEK 21
