Mustangs Fall to Seasoned Columbine Team

The Mustangs entered the contest young and hungry and eager to make an impression early against a top ranked  team.  Emphasizing youth as a key component to this team and in contrast to the Rebels, Mullen started two sophomores and three freshmen on offense and three sophomores and one freshman on defense.  By no means was the disparity in experience between the two teams any reflection on the talent level Coach Bennett has and is bringing into his program.  It just takes time, sometimes, for the young ones to grow and mature in that much needed experience.  In the meantime, the talent is there.      

Early in the 1st quarter, The Columbine Rebels turned the ball over on their first play from  scrimmage. On the very next play, freshman quarterback Koa Dietrich hit senior wideout Jordan  Leslie with a 36-yard strike for the touchdown. After a missed PAT the Mustangs took an early  6-0 lead. That was all the scoring for Mullen during the game. The Rebels would impose their  will with their power running game and triple option, something you don’t see much in high school football.  Midway  through the 2nd quarter, Columbine led 14-6. James Basinger for the Rebels took the ball 36  yards for the score after breaking several tackles. Columbine would take a 21-6 lead into  the half. 

As the second half got underway, the skies opened up and the rain began to fall.  The  Rebels continued to pour it on as running back Mason Moreno broke a big run and took the ball  in for a TD extending the Rebels lead to 28-6.  However, there were some positives for the  Mullen Mustangs.  Star linebacker Aj Guida flew around doing all he could to stop the Rebel  attack and was making tackle after tackle. Another silver lining for the Mustangs was seeing QB Koa Dietrich gain confidence in the passing game as the contest progressed.  Jordan Leslie helped his young teammate  several times by making several catches.  Look for that connection to only get better as the  season progresses. 

Later in the 4th quarter, the Columbine Rebels capitalize on a Mullen fumble and return it to the end zone to take a 44-6 lead.  It turned out to be a frustrating evening for the Mullen football team.  The Final score was Columbine 56, Mullen 6.  

The Mustangs look to bounce back next Friday when they take 9th Ranked Erie High School.