Stanton Mustangs' Season Comes to a Close
By Greg Hansen
November 02, 2009
Stanton Mustangs' Season Comes to a Close
The Stanton Mustangs continued their streak of winning seasons and
playoff appearences (8 years), as they traveled to Creighton to
take on the Bulldogs in the first round of the playoffs. Creighton
stood at 6-2 and the #8 seed. "I have to say, we probably drew one
of the tougher #8 seeds there are", said Coach Hansen. The Mustangs
played well, but in the end, turnovers and mistakes at critical
times doomed their efforts. Stanton proved early that they had come
to play as they forced the Bulldogs into a 4th and 1 situation on
their first drive, ultimately holding strong and getting the ball
back for the offense. "This team has had a history of being a slow
starter; Creighton got a couple of first downs, but then our
defense stepped up and stuffed that first 4th down attempt. But on
another wet and muddy night, the Bulldogs capitalized on three
Mustang turnovers and two one handed catches to extend drives and
won the game 26-8. The Mustangs out-yardaged the the Bulldogs
234-219 and held Creighton's offense to just two first downs in the
second half. Stanton started the second half down 14-0, but showed
they weren't ready to give up. The Mustangs took the opening
possession of the second half and marched 68 yards on 8 plays
ending with a Senior Tate Erbst vault over the top from the 1
yardline. Freshmen Jeb Nordby added the 2 point conversion and the
Stangs had stolen the momentum away from the Bulldogs, trailing
only by six; 14-8. The Mustangs forced Creighton to punt on their
next possession. But on first and ten the Mustangs then fumbled on
their own 5 yardline, which led to a Bulldog score, which made the
score 20-8. "That was a tough time for that", said Hansen. "We had
started the second half just like we had planned." The Bulldogs
then added a late 4th quarter touchdown to extend the lead to 26-8.
"Until their last score, we felt like we could comeback. Credit
them for keeping the pressure on us." The Mustangs end the season
at 5-4. Stanton loses five very experienced seniors with 2
four-year starters; Tate Erbst and Paul Cheyeny, 2 three-year
starters; Mark Tomka and Bo Qualls and starting center Nelson
Vollbrecht. "We lose some very good talent for next year, but with
the amount of young kids we had starting on varsity, we should be
in good shape in the upcoming years", said Hansen.
Greg Hansen
Stanton High School
Secondary Phys. Ed./Weight Training
Head Football
Asst. Activities Director
