Galt breaks school passing record with five in win

The Malta Mustangs faced a stiff test going against Roundup's dominant run game and passed with flying colors last Friday, defeating Roundup 33-20

Their next opponents, the Shepherd Mustangs will present the team with an even tougher test this Saturday, a team that can run and pass.

Malta defeated Shepherd 41-0 last season and has won each of the four contests dating back to 2006.

"We beat them pretty handily last year, but they were young and have matured since last year," said Malta Head Coach Nick Oxarart. "They're going to be ready for us."

This year's Shepherd team has a much improved offense that is an undisciplined defense's nightmare. The other Mustangs will look to use their Zone-Read offense to confuse the good guys.

They have a pair of quarterbacks who aren't afraid to get into a gun slinging match with Malta and a running back who has speed and power.

One of the aforementioned quarterbacks is Hyrum Hanson, (brother of Malta coach Tyler Hanson) , who at 6'3" will have no problem seeing down-field.

"He's got a great arm and can hit an open receiver deep down field," said Coach Oxarart.

He connected with speedy wide receiver John Mushaben (6'3", 160 pound) on a 50 touchdown play against Columbus last week. A game they ultimately lost 35-24.

"Mushaben's fast, he's got some wheels so we're going to have to know where he is at all times," Coach Oxarart told the PCN.

It turns out that Chad Nebel is another player that can push the ball down the field. Nebel threw two touchdowns in that same game. Both touchdowns were from 55 yards out of the end zone.

Shepherd also has shown that they can defeat teams by running the ball as well, as they did against Joliet, who five of six of their touchdowns came from their running attack.

Zachary Iffland, a 6'0", 185 senior, has speed as well as power.

Iffland's talent was showcased in their win against Joliet, in which he scored on runs of 75 yards and 47.

Chase Darnell also proved he can burn teams, boasting a 47 yard touchdown of his own.

"They have a lot of team speed that we'll have to take into account," said Coach Oxarart. "they want to get those guys to the outside, spread us out and get the ball to their playmakers."

He went on to say that Malta needs to prevent Shepherd from getting loose.

The defense that Shepherd will use is similar to Malta's 3-4 defense, however the team has shown it can be beat through the ground and air.

"They play fast on defense," Coach Oxarart said.

While speed is good, it may lead them to make mistakes, which could benefit Malta.

Shepherd gave up two rushing touchdowns and two passing in their loss to Columbus, which accounted for four touchdowns, the other came off of a 90 yard kick return compliments of Colombus' Keifer McKay.

While it looks like a game Malta can win, they will have to be even more disciplined than they were last week.

"We have to make sure our guys are doing their job and not trying to do somebody elses' kind of like we did against Roundup," Coach Oxarart said.