Mustangs outlasted by New Boston, fall to 3-5

By Rick Colegrove

It was homecoming for Hughes Springs this past Friday, but the New Boston Lions actually made themselves at home. On an evening where Tony Kemp and Breonna Simmons were crowned as homecoming royalty, the Lions were able to outlast the Mustangs, pulling off the 42-26 win.

With the loss, the Mustangs are fighting for their postseason life. On the season Hughes Springs stands at 3-5, caught in a 4 game losing streak. The Mustangs are still searching for the right mix to get back on the winning track.

The game started well for the Mustangs, after Zach Anderson intercepted the first play from scrimmage for New Boston, and had the home crowd thinking this was the night. Unfortunately, though Hughes Springs gave the ball right back, but the defense was able to hold again, giving the Mustangs the ball. Hughes Springs was able to find the end-zone first, with junior signal caller Alex Bruce, scampering in from 16 yards out, to make the score 6-0, after a two point conversion was no good.

New Boston scored quickly on their next drive from 60 yards out, and with an extra point they were up 7-6. The Mustangs wanted a shoot-out it seems, because Bruce came out firing the pigskin, and connected with freshman Brady McEntire from 39 yards out to go back on top, with a two point conversion making the score 14-7. Brady is the little brother to junior Bo, and there is bound to be some sibling rivalry after this game, with the younger McEntire having his best game all season with four receptions for 109 yards and three touchdowns.

Ultimately though, New Boston was able to capitalize on five Mustang turnovers, and the Mustangs were not able to close the gap, scoring only six points in the second half, while New Boston pulled away. Bryce Johnston, making his first start at running back, had 17 carries for 48 yards. While Bruce had 24 carries for 117 yards and one touchdown. He also passed for 109 yards with all four completions in his 12 attempts going to younger McEntire.

Defensively for Hughes Springs, they were again led by the duo of Zack Pilgrim and Hunter Brabham. Also leading the way was homecoming king Tony Kemp and senior Sean Stark, with Trace Camp looking sharp as well.

This Friday, the Mustangs welcome Redwater to town. Both the Dragons and the Mustangs are fighting for their playoff lives. Hughes Springs likely will have to win out and hope for some help to get the fourth seed in the district. Win or lose, these Mustangs have made us proud and we will cheer them on with pride.