Hughes Springs on verge of playoffs with win over Redwater

 The Mustangs found themselves in a fight Friday night and when the clock went to all zeroes, the Hughes Springs football team was alive and kicking after all, thanks in large part to a thrilling 14- 6 over the Redwater Dragons.

In the midst of a 4 game losing streak, the Mustangs, a fixture in the postseason discussion seemingly every year, were in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Losing is never an easy thing to have to face, and in the last four weeks, the coaches and players have had to reach for a little extra inside to right the ship. With junior quarterback Alex Bruce leading the way, the Mustangs had the Dragons right where they wanted them.

The game started with both defenses controlling the tempo of the game. Neither team scored in the first half and in a matter of 45 minutes, the home crowd was enjoying the bands before they knew it.

Redwater was stuffed for most of the first half by a swarming defense led by JJ Jones and Zach Pilgrim, who had four and six tackles, respectively, to pace the Mustangs. Hunter Brabham had seven assists to lead the squad in that category, while Dedrick Hill had four assists and two tackles. Clark Black had a stand out game as well, with four unassisted tackles and four assists to help out in the effort.

While the defense was the story of the first half, everyone in attendance at Friday’s game left talking about the second half comeback that resulted in a win and a possible third place in district, depending upon results of next Friday’s matchup when Hughes Springs travels to Sabine, near Gladewater, to take on the Cardinals.

Hughes Springs needs a win to secure the third spot, and are taking on a suddenly hot Sabine team, who bested New Boston last Friday, 35-34.

After three quarters of play, Hughes Springs found themselves down 6- 0, and even though the Mustangs were able to move the ball most of the night, they still were held scoreless until Bruce started to work his magic out of the spread.

Bruce on the night was six for 16 passing with one touchdown, but for the most part he was field general, running the offense with ease. Bryce Johnston started at running back for Hughes Springs and broke the century mark on the night, toting the rock 16 times for 104 yards. Bo McEntire was in the mix as well with 12 carries for 69 yards. McEntire had a touchdown to bring Hughes Springs even 6-6 with less than 6 minutes left in the game.

The intrigue began late in the game, and culminated with a story book ending. With the game tied, Hughes Springs was driving and had the ball on the four yard line with 10 seconds left in the game. Alex Bruce dropped back and in the back of the end zone found Dylan Freeman wide open and connected for a touchdown pass to put the Mustangs up 12-6. The 2 point conversion was good, and the cardiac kids, aka Hughes Springs Mustangs, were about to pull off a thrilling win, and moved a step closer to the post season for the eighth straight year. Hughes Springs kicked off to Redwater and were able to stop their offense with a game sealing interception from Clark Black.

So, it all comes down to next week with Sabine. Win and the ‘Stangs are in. Let’s load up the buses, and pack the stands, Mustang fans, and let’s send this Mustang team to the post season in style with a loud and proud crowd.