Mustangs crush Clarksville in opener

By Rick Colegrove

Varsity football returned to Hughes Springs Friday night and the Mighty Mustangs did not disappoint, steamrolling the Blue Tigers from Clarksville, 54-21.
From the start, the Mustang offense and defense showed the capacity crowd why 2013 has all the possibilities of being another standout year.  The offense was its typical smash-mouth, efficient self, rolling up 561 yards total yards, with 520 of those yards coming on the ground.  Leading the way was  Fred Hopkins Jr. who rushed for 159 yards on just six carries.  
Chris Royal had 14 carries for 82 yards, Corky Westmoreland added three rushes for 80 yards with Kane Sampson toting the ball just three times but getting 81 yards.
Hopkins had three touchdowns while QB Chad McKinney and Chris Royal added a pair TD’s a piece.
It didn’t take long for the Mustang Nation to get loud, with Hopkins running back the opening kick-off 70 plus yards and then scoring two plays later from seven yards out,.
McKinney scored the next touchdown on a keeper from 45 yards out, and with a stable of running backs, the Mustang offense is sure to wear down any opposing defense.
The Mustang defense was stout,  allowing only 90 yards of total offense for Clarksville.  With the front seven clogging holes and a secondary clamping down on the Blue Tiger receivers, Mustang defenders  gave the Clarksville’s offense fits all night.  Leading the way on defense were Kyre Lewis and Greg Morgan along with Cody Pilgrim, Thomas Wallace and Christian Smith.  
Coach Chris Edwards was, “extremely proud of the team”.  Coach Ed also stated that “you won’t find kids that work any harder than these guys here”.
With a trip to Hooks next on the schedule, Coach Edwards, who speaks from experience, says,”it’s always tough crossing the Sulphur river”.
Rest assured though,  this Mustang team will be prepared and no matter the environment will be focused and disciplined thanks to a great coaching staff.
In JV action, the mustang junior varsity squad kicked off their 2013 season with a win over the New Boston Lions  team 14-0, and looked impressive doing so.
The offense,  led by QB Blake Smith, started the game at their 43 yard line and marched down the field with runs by Gabriel DuBose and Jonathan Crow.  

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