Expectations high for Mustangs

 

(Fifth in a series of previews for Spring 2020.)

Injuries can spread like viruses.    Ask the 2019 Mullen Mustangs.

When commenting about his team’s outlook for 2020, second-year Mustangs head coach Matt Cawley was blunt.

“Assuming we don’t catch the injury bug because we had nine pretty significant players hurt into the last game of the year,” Cawley said, “I think we can be a playoff team and make a run. But that’s if we don’t catch the same injury bug.”

Mullen was 6-9 the past season and is looking to replace an 11-strong senior group. The Mustangs will begin this season with 20-22 players.

Among their top returnees are Ethan Hart and Dominic Jablonski on defense; key faceoff man Willis Hanson; and J.P. Starkey, Tanner Amman, Gage Fisher, Keegan Quinn and Brandon Hane at the front of what Cawley said will be a new offense.

“We should have a formidable first line of offense,’ the coach said.

In goal, three candidates will be fighting for minutes – Luc Caldwell, Nick Gilbert and Antonio Corral.

“We need to work,” Cawley said.

The Mustangs will open their regular season in nonleague on Friday, March 13, 4 p.m., at always good – and nearby -- Colorado Academy. They will follow with a mix of out-of-state and nonleague games before the league opener, April 8, at home against defending Class 5A Colorado champion Cherry Creek.

The regular season will run through May 9. Playoffs will begin May 13 with the championship May 26 at the University of Denver.