The Staley Mustangs 7th Grade White Team played their first actual game tonight against the Hunt Hustkies.  The Staley boys looked pretty good.  Things started out with a bang as #25 took the kick off and scampered 70 yards down the far sideline, looking like he would surely score.  However, he stepped out of bounds about seven yards short of  the goal line.  The Mustangs set up with first and goal on the seven.  The Mustangs had virtually no gain until third down, when the running back bulled his way down to the three yard line.  However, a holding penalty had the Mustangs back at the thirteen.  A quarterback sack ended the promising Mustangs' drive, and the Huskies took over on downs.  Staley held the Huskies and they  punted to the Mustangs.  The Hunt defense proved to be tough and stopped the Mustangs a couple yards short of a first down.  Hunt took over on downs, but their possession did not last long as the Mustang caused a fumble and recovered it on the very next play. The Mustangs had a short field as they got the ball on the 35 yard line.  A first down run had them gaining about ten yards.  On the next play,  #44 got the hand off and turned the corner at the far sideline, broke some tackles and ran it into the end zone for the first score of the game.  Staley's PAT run attempt was stopped short of the goal line, but the Mustangs had the lead 6-0.  Hunt responded less than thirty seconds later when their running back broke some tackles and ran for 55 yards for six points.  Hunt attempted the PAT but it was blocked and picked up by Staley's #25 and ran back all the way to the opposite end zone.  However, it was not counted due to a penalty.  The Mustangs received the kick off and on second down, the quarterback handed the ball off to #44 who scampered forty yards for the touchdown. The Mustangs ran in the PAT and took a 13-6 lead with four and half minutes left in the first half.  Staley's defense held and Hunt turned the ball over on downs.  Staley made the most of it and put another 7 points on the board behind a strong running game.  Staley took a 20-6 lead to the break. 

The Huskies took the kick off at the start of the second half and was driving down the field when they they fumbled the ball inside the red zone. Staley returned the favor fumbling the ball on their own 10 yard line, setting up the Huskies with great field position. The Mustangs defense proved to be tough as the held the Huskies and they turned it back over to the Mustangs on downs.  Staley, unfortunately could not generate the offense and had to punt the ball away.  This time, the Huskies made the most of it and ran the ball into the end zone for six points.  The Mustangs blocked the PAT kick, making the score 20-12 in favor of the Mustangs with seven and half minutes left in the game.  Staley got the ball, but did not have much success on gaining yards.  The Mustangs turned it over on downs when a fourth down pass fell short of the receiver.  The Huskies were making great progress going down the field, looking to put points on the board, maybe even tie the game.  Staley's #88 saved a touchdown when he shoved the Huskies' running back out of bounds at the two yard line.  With the game on the line, the Mustangs defense dug deep and put the pressure on, it paid off as Staley's #75 broke through the line and recovered a fumble.  Staley's ball on their own nine yard line with a minute and half left in the game.  Staley's offense lined up, quarterback #10 handed the ball off to #48, then gave his running back a crucial block as he cut toward the far sideline and was off, #48 trotted down the field 8o yards to the ten yard line.  The Mustangs ran a couple more plays, making it to the five yard line before time expired.   The Staley Mustangs came away with the win 20-12.  

All in all the Mustangs played well in their first full game.  Yes, there were miscues and mistakes, but as the season progresses and the boys play more together, they will only become better.  I am looking forward to a great season!  A great job by the Staley boys!! Way to go Mustangs!!  

P.S.  Loved seeing my son, Garrett and all his friends out there!

Here are some images of the game.