The Staley Mustangs 8th Grade Football Blue Team played a tough game against the Griffin Gators.   The Mustangs lost 33-10, however, the game seemed much closer than the score indicated.  The Mustangs running back #19 took the kick off at the 25 yard,  and gained a nice chunk of real estate.  The Mustangs had the ball for first and ten at the 35 yard  line.  A few plays into the drive running back #17 took a hand off, broke some tackles, to gain some yards.  Number 1 followed up with a nice run that gave the Mustangs a first down.  After a few plays with no gain and an incompletion, the Staley drive stalled out.  The Gators took over and steadily ate up time and yards, to eventually score and lead 6-0 after a blocked PAT.

The Mustang spirit was in full swing as #17 took the kickoff, avoided defenders and took it to the house for the score.  A successful PAT gave the Mustangs the lead 8-6.  However, that was short -lived as Griffin returned the favor and took the Mustang kick off in for a touchdown.  Another missed PAT had Griffin leading 12-8.

A couple of nice runs by #5 and  a twenty yard gain by #19 were not enough to sustain the Mustang drive before the half ended. 

The start of the second half had the Mustang faithful thinking things were looking up, as the Gators fumbled the kick off and #19 recovered. The Mustangs set up shop around the twenty yard.  On fourth down, #5 got the ball and ran down the sideline before being brought down at the three yard line.  Unfortunately, the Mustangs could not punch it into the end zone.  

The Gators scored three more times, one for a break through 50 yard run, one from a punt return and the last was a pick 6.  On the last score, the Gator's PAT kick was short, and #5 caught it the end zone and ran it back a 100+ yards for a touchback, getting the Mustangs two points. 

The Mustangs were driving down the field,with some nice plays running the ball from #1 and #5, before time ran out. 

The Staley Mustangs had a tough night, not being able to capitalize on opportunities.  The Mustangs fought the whole game and ended strong. Hopefully, the Mustangs can regroup and come back strong next week against Cobb.  These boys can battle back, these boys do not quit!!  Go Mustangs!!!