Malta to Face Glasgow for Top Spot in Northern B

The Malta Mustangs are currently 6-1 and have won six straight since their season opening loss to Huntley Project in August.

The Mustangs' latest win was a very decisive 35-6 win over the Cut Bank Wolves in Cut bank last Friday, October 7.

The Mustangs will host the rival Glasgow Scotties for what may be their most important game of the season, for seeding purposes in the postseason. Glasgow and Malta are both 6-1 and 3-0 in the Northern B, and they have both lost only to Huntley Project.

"Glasgow has a solid rushing attack and can pass effectively," Malta Head Coach Nick Oxarart said. "They have an outstanding running back and their quarterback is a dual threat."

In addition to a strong run-pass option from Mason Donaldson, the Mustangs will be tasked to cover a tall group of receivers that also have thrived on the defensive side of the ball.

"Glasgow is a strong football team that presents multiple problems for us to scheme against," Coach Oxarart said. "We will have to put together a solid game plan and execute it well in order to have any success against them on Friday night."

In Malta's win over Cut Bank, the Mustangs were able to score four rushing touchdowns, and two passing touchdowns, going up 35-0 before surrendering their first points late in the fourth quarter.

When asked about the team's offensive outing, Coach Oxarart pointed to his offensive line.

"We were able to establish a strong run game behind our offense line led by Reese Brown, Tye Jones, Colton Mears, Clay Hallenberg, Bow SaintLouis, and Hunter Stolem," Coach Oxarart said. "Camryn Mears and Spencer Gibbs both rushed for over 100 yards."

According to Hudl, Mears had 17 attempts for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Gibbs had 10 attempts for 100 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Stockton Oxarart was 5-of-12 for 57 yards and two touchdowns. Kaden Bishop had two catches for 20 yards and one touchdown. Kyle Darrington had two catches for 21 yards and one touchdown and Colton Honey had one catch for 16 yards.

Coach Oxarart was also asked about his team's defense.

"Blaine Downing had an outstanding night in Cut Bank," Coach Oxarart said. "He had multiple sacks and tackles for losses. He was in their backfield all game long creating havoc. Defensive end, Eli Hanson, was getting double-teamed most of the game and still created a lot of pressure on the quarterback."

"We tackled very well and were very aggressive in Cut Bank and those were things we had been working on last week so it's nice to see their hard work pay off," Coach Oxarart continued. "Kaden Bishop had an interception and Mears had a forced fumble and recovery late in the first half deep in Cut Bank territory. Our offense was able to score off both of those turnovers which helped us gain momentum and build a lead against a good football team."

Gibbs, a senior, was first to put up points on the board with a four-yard run with 1:53 left in the first quarter. Sophomore Treyton Wilke caught a pass from S. Oxarart to convert the two-point conversion. Malta was up 8-0.

In the second quarter, Mears punched in a one-yard touchdown run, which was followed by a throw from Oxarart to Eli Hanson, which put Malta up 16-0 with 6:49 left in the second quarter. Next, Kyle Darrington scored on an 11-yard pass from Oxarart, but the kick after attempt failed. Malta was up 22-0 with 1:02 left in the first half.

In the third quarter, senior Kaden Bishop caught a 15-yard pass from Oxarart, followed by a failed kick. Malta led 28-0 with 5:46 left in the third.

In the fourth quarter Mears broke a 59-yard run for a touchdown with 7:29 remaining. The kick after by Gibbs was good, making the score 35-0.

The Wolves lone touchdown was a 29-yard fumble recovery by Skylar Peterson. The kick failed.