Mustangs Corral Bulldogs, 42-20

HUNTINGDON (September 13) — On Friday night, the Huntingdon Mustangs picked up their second win of the season as they played host to the Columbia Academy Bulldogs. It was a game of pending rain showers with the perpetual lightning of yellow flags. The first quarter was a tight back-and-forth but like a diesel engine, the Mustang offense and defense heated up to roar away with the 42-20 win.

In the first quarter, Columbia Academy received the opening kick and proceeded to operate a hurry-up offense. Running back Montae Baldwin kept the Mustangs on their heels in the opening drive. Baldwin moved the ball from the 30 yard line of the Bulldogs’ across mid-field to the Mustangs’ 43 yard line. On third-and-ten, Quarterback Stephen Nieves got the Huntingdon defense to commit to the run as he hit Wyatt Ayers for the first down.

With a fresh set of downs, Columbia Academy and Baldwin moved the ball inside the red zone to the 14 yard line. On third down, Nieves caught Harrison Brownlee in stride for the touchdown. After an unsuccessful two-point conversion, the Bulldogs led the Mustangs 6-0 at the 8:12 mark.

Huntingdon rebounded on the kickoff. Tyreke Hutch received the kickoff and returned the kick nearly untouched for a 96-yard touchdown. Greyson Anderson added the extra point as the Mustangs took a 7-6 lead with 7:57 to play in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs were able to move the ball on the second offensive series. Moving up to the Mustang 47 yard line, Columbia Academy picked up a charity first down as Huntingdon was called for a 15-yard defensive chop block. The drive stalled on the 32 yard line, and on fourth-and-eleven, Nieves’ pass was knocked down by Hutch turning the ball over on downs.

The Mustangs moved the ball 68 yards in two plays on the next drive for their second touchdown of the night. Gray Eubanks ran the first play up the gut for three yards. Then Brady Warbritton bounced it outside for the 65-yard touchdown. Anderson tacked on the PAT as Huntingdon led 14-6.

Columbia Academy quickly responded to answer the touchdown. In three plays moving the ball 70 yards, Nieves’ pass to Brownlee was good for the TD with 3:56 to play in the opening quarter. Jackson Usherwood added the extra point as the Bulldogs trailed the Mustangs 14-13.

On the next drive, the one-two punch of Eubanks and Warbritton marched the ball from the 20 yard line to near mid-field. A late hit by Columbia Academy moved the ball inside the red zone. A holding call on Huntingdon negated a Warbritton touchdown. Then a fumbled snap put the Mustangs on the 40 yard line.

Starting the second quarter, on fourth-and-long, Huntingdon attempted to pick up the first down on the pass but it was ruled incomplete.

The Bulldogs went three-and-out on the next drive, and the Mustangs started the drive from the 31 yard line. Three plays into the drive, flags littered the field with a holding call on Columbia Academy and a facemask call on Huntingdon. The Mustangs still chipped away at the yardage picking up a first down. Then as the Mustangs were about to pick up major yardage, they were flagged with another holding penalty.

A solid run by Warbritton regained the field possession and put Huntingdon in scoring position. From the one yard line, Eubanks drove across the goal line for the TD. Anderson booted his third PAT of the night as the Mustangs increased their lead 21-13 with 3:45 remaining in the half.

On the kickoff, starting the second half, Columbia Academy tried an uneventful onside kick. Beginning at the opposing 48 yard line, the Mustangs moved the ball down field with ease. On first-and-goal from the one, Eubanks had his second touchdown of the night. Anderson added the extra point as Huntingdon went up 28-13 at the 7:57 mark of the third quarter.

Columbia Academy had a little bad luck on the next series. Looking to get into four down territory, Nieves threw the ball behind his receiver forcing a lateral turnover that was recovered by Huntingdon’s Broox Bennett.

Starting from the Mustang 45 yard line, Warbritton crossed mid-field. On second-and-three from the 48 yard line, Eubanks busted up the middle for the touchdown. Anderson responded with the PAT as Huntingdon was up 35-13 with 5:14 to play in the third.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs scored their final points of the night. On second-and-one from the 16 yard line, Warbritton was in for the touchdown. Anderson hit his sixth consecutive PAT of the night.

As Huntingdon made a series of substitutions on defense, Columbia Academy who had a limited roster kept in the starters. With 3:13 remaining in the game, Brownlee scored a touchdown and Usherwood tacked on the PAT bringing the final score to 42-20.

Huntingdon (2-1) takes to the road Friday night traveling to Alamo to take on the 4A Crockett County Cavaliers (4-0). This will be a series test for the Mustangs as the Cavaliers are not only two class sizes larger but have wins against Jackson North Side, Jackson South Side, Ripley and Lexington. Game time is 7 p.m.