JV Mustangs defeat JV Blue Ponies 24-14

Our first JV game at home was what we as a coaching staff needed to see from our young guys. The boys came out with the right mindset and intensity going into the game. The first offensive series garnered us a touchdown with an eight-yard pass from Connor Tuss to Darrow Messerly. The ensuing two-point conversion was unsuccessful. Unfortunately, all two-point conversions were unsuccessful. We were anchored by solid performances offensively by Cash Salsbery, Connor Tuss, Jeremiah Benson, Darrow Messerly, and Ty Murphy. Those athletes, I thought, had great games offensively and defensively. Our second drive was capped off with a beautiful 29-yard pass from Connor Tuss to Jeremiah Benson for a touchdown. This was a fingertip catch that was placed perfectly. We went into the half up 12-0.

After the half, we were on defense first and got a quick three and out. Defensively, Parker Mortenson, Cash Salsbery, Ty Murphy, Zach Judd, and Peyton Jones had solid games. We are still making small mistakes that are going to get fixed as we gain more game time. We led the game in turnovers with 3 forced fumbles (Parker Mortenson with two and Jaden Keeling with one) and 3 recoveries (David Pitman with two recoveries and Parker Mortenson with one).

In the third quarter, we fizzled a little with penalties on some drives. After we buckled down and straightened out some mistakes, we were able to get Ty Murphy and Cash Salsbery going running the ball. We set up our next touchdown run with an awesome display of athleticism by Darrow Messerly. Messerly was supposed to run to the right side but was quickly bottled up, but not taken down, in the backfield. Darrow was able to evade opposing tacklers and cut around to the left side. We gained 15-20 yards on that play and were in their territory. Ty Murphy was our next score, with a two-yard run, to make the game 18-0. On our next offensive series, after a fumble recovery, Connor Tuss was able to score our last touchdown of the night on a quarterback keeper from five yards out. At that point, it was 24-0. Toward the end of the third quarter, we gave Darrow Messerly some snaps at QB. I look forward to more reps from both Tuss and Messerly at the QB spot. I thought both quarterbacks played well and I look forward to their development. In the final quarter, we gave up an interception for a touchdown. Late in the fourth, we gave up another touchdown on our 20 yard line that was caused by miscommunication in the defensive backfield. The final score was 24-14.  

On Monday, September 10th we take on the Poplar Indians in Poplar at 4:30. It should be a great test for the young team and we look forward to the competition. GO BIG BLUE! ROW THE BOAT!