A night of firsts for Mustangs

 

Of course, there’s always a certain something about the first one. It usually remains the sweetest.

On Friday night, Mullen’s Mustangs acted as if they were 8-year-olds locked in a candy store overnight.

Their 20-17 victory over Arvada West at Brother Bernard Kinneavy Field at De La Salle Stadium was their first of the season, the first for new head coach Jeremy Bennett and his staff, and the first for the program since Nov. 1, 2019, before most everyone had heard of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

In improving to 1-1 overall and in the Class 5A Jefferson County League, the Mustangs used a hot running game and defense to handle the Wildcats in a quite frigid home opener.

“it feels good, it feels good,” Bennett said. “You know, we made a lot of mistakes, but we knew our defense would keep us in it.”

And Bennett and his staff also may have found out something about their group.

“I think what we established tonight as an offensive staff,” Bennett said, “is that we can run the ball behind this line, and we’re going to adjust to what we do. Maybe it’s run first now … I think any good staff is going to adjust to what they have and we have two great running backs and a line that’s good. They can play with anybody.”

Good thing as Mullen overcame three interceptions and some dropped passes … and Bennett, who came over from nearby D’Evelyn, had been known as a pass-first guy.

However, with C.J. Smith and Kyle Krebs taking turns rushing, Mullen gradually took command, overcame two first-half deficits and ate clock like a smorgasbord.

Trailing 10-3 at halftime, Ryan Schmitt’s 1-yard plunge for a touchdown early in the third quarter tied the score, and was Mullen’s first of the season and first in 75 minutes, 40 seconds of play in 2020. It came after a short punt by the Wildcats and was set up by a 29-yard run by Smith.

The Mustangs followed with a 16-play, 65-yard drive featuring Smith and Krebs that led to Aidan Lehman’s second field goal of the game, a 37-yarder two plays into the fourth quarter. He also made one from 41 yards in the second.

Smith’s 6-yard scoring run two series later made it 20-10 with 4:44 to play, but the Mustangs were burned for a 72-yard touchdown pass two plays later.

Again, the Mustangs rushing attack used some time and the defense, which basically was strong all game, sealed it with an interception by sophomore Ishmael Aceves at the 2-minute mark. A fumble on the return was recovered by the Mustangs, who proceeded to run out the clock.

“I was just in my zone,” Aceves said, “and I dropped back, saw what was happening … I kind of baited (the A-West quarterback) and he threw it right to me.”

Running the ball is OK with Smith.

“Oh, it feels so good and I know they’re happy,” he said of earning his new staff’s first victory. “Their stress level is at zero now … I sensed right away that we could run the ball. I thought we should just run the ball through the middle.”

And they did, reeling off 29 snaps from scrimmage in the second half to 17 for the Wildcats.

Mullen finished with 353 yards, 262 on the ground. Smith rushed for 134 and Krebs 112. and 70 by Krebs.  Michael Brouillette and Krebs each had three receptions.

Defensively, Aceves led the eeam in tqckles (11) and Juan Bertaud added an interception.

Save for the 72-yard scoring play and an interception that was returned 78 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half, the Mullen defense was stout. All told, it allowed 239 yards and just two offensive scores.

“Defensively, I knew we could control them,” Bennett said. “I really believe in our defense. We are solid. We just need to get it clicking on offense. We’re struggling there, but we’ll get it.”

Next for Mullen is a Thursday (Oct. 29) matchup against Columbine, a 6 p.m. kickoff at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood.

 

AW – FG Ethan Kerstiens, 8:09.

M – FG Aidan Lehman 41, 8:48.

AW – A.J. St. James 78 interception return (Kerstiens kick), 0:00.

M – Ryan Schmitt 1 run (Lehman kick), 8:20.

M – FG Lehman 37, 11:56.

M – C.J. Smith 6 run (Lehman kick), 4:44.

AW -- Bradlee Wallen 72 pass from Evan Hurlburt (Kerstiens kick), 3:56.