Mustangs defeat Wolves 41-0

The Malta Mustangs took a huge step in helping their chances to make the post-season for the third year in a row after defeating the Wolf Point Wolves 41-0 last Friday, October 7 at Mustang Field. The team will face the Harlem Wildcats in Harlem this Friday, October 14, at 7 p.m. Harlem was dismantled 62-0 by the Glasgow Scotties last Friday.

In Malta’s very decisive win over Wolf Point, Malta displayed a stout defense that racked up five interceptions and a fumble on a wet and cold night.

The team was led by Trey Simanton, who had five rushing touchdowns and 142 yards on 18 attempts (7.8 yards per carry).

“The line’s blocking was amazing,” Simanton said. “Trace (Simonson) was at fullback and he was blocking really good too. I knew I just had to get my shoulders low and hit the hole good and keep the ball tight.”

Simanton is a two-time placer in state wrestling and it has been showing to the football field.

“I’d say wrestling helps a lot, especially for defense and tackling,” Simanton said. “It teaches you to fight so when I’m rung I think of fighting.”

Quarterback Keenan Schipman displayed a reliable arm, completing eight of his 13 throws for 108 yards and an 18 yard touchdown to Simonson. One of his biggest highlights came on defense and he recorded his first interception of the season.

“I knew that quad set was tricky,” Schipman said. “So I covered the flats and somehow he threw the ball right to me and I caught it. It was a good feeling.”

Ostin Welch led the receivers with four catches for 76, which included a 31 yard catch that set up Malta in position for their first touchdown.

The Mustangs had to overcome a pretty large line, going against Wolf Point’s line that averaged close to 300 pounds. The team had a game plan before the first snap.

“We just gotta get low, hit hard and we know we can win the game,” Simanton said.

On offense Wolf Point displayed a large defensive line and quick rushers on defense, but Schipman was unfazed.

“I’m kind of used to that,” Schipman said. “I get pass rushed pretty heavy. I’ve been trying to get the ball out quicker and to get our momentum going.”

The Mustangs were dominant on defense with Antonio Lopez, Tel Jensen, Schipman, Kevin Henry and Welch each recording an interception.

The team had a new starter on the defensive line that day with Luke Lawless stepping in at nose tackle. Lawless nearly blocked a point and often times made it into the Wolves’ backfield.

“He stepped in that hole pretty good and he’s doing really well,” Schipman said. “The last couple of weeks he’s been getting through that wall. He’s a big boy and fun to watch. He will be good.”

Sophomore Kevin Henry has been running well on a backup role. He saw some time again against Wolf Point.

“It’s a little intimidating at first but you get used to it and it’s really fun,” Henry said.

When he’s on the field, Henry looks prepared.

“It’s just practice,” he said.

The team racked up 190 rushing yards, with 142 from Simanton. Henry had 20 yards on three attempts with his longest being a 16 yarder. Simonson had 19 yards on seven attempts and Andres Lopez had 13 yards of seven carries.

Simanton had a 17 yard rushing touchdown and a two yard touchdown in the first quarter. He scored a six yard touchdown and four yard touchdown in the second quarter. Simanton had a 16 yard touchdown in the third quarter. Simanton was five of six on extra point kicks.

The team racked 108 receiving yards with 76 from Welch and 18 from Simonson. Jensen had a thirteen yard catch and Kolter Schipman had a ten yard reception.

With only two weeks in the regular season, one win against Harlem would secure a spot in the post-season tournament but the team knows it will take hard work to continue winning.

“We just have to keep talking, get fired up and have fun like we have been doing,” Schipman said. “We’ve been talking every play, cheering and making someone feel good about their play. Working hard in practice is our main goal.”