Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report and submitted the photographs.
Commitment to a great sport was shown by the young men of Newman Central Catholic, and Morrison, High Schools, as they took the football field under 85+ degree temperatures, on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The game was slated with many unknowns. New Head Coach Steve Snider took his first Mustang squad into battle against a Comet squad that entered the season looking for recognition.
The reputation of the Newman Comets is one of a grinding ground game. That was exactly what fans saw on Saturday evening. The Comets only put the ball in the air four times, completing three, for a total of 56 yards. The ground game of the Comets was led by Senior Marcus Williams, totaling 143 yards in ten carries, with touchdown sprints of 49 and 55 yards. Mustang tacklers failed to wrap up the talented, Newman Running Back.
The new Mustang offense orchestrated by Coach Snider resembles the old Single Wing, which requires each player to fulfill their assignment. The Mustang offense on Saturday evening lacked some of the size and experience of the line, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Also, the loss placed extra burden on their teammates performing in the heat.
A 57-yard touchdown run by Alex Anderson in the third quarter highlighted the Mustangs’ offensive efforts on the evening. They totaled only 122 yards the entire four quarters.
Quarterback Danny Mouw only put the ball in the air one time all night, and it fell incomplete. Justice Brainerd ground out 64 yards in 15 carries, before exiting with an ankle injury late in the action. The game culminated in a 36-6 victory for the host Newman Comets.
The Mustangs will return to the gridiron next Friday, September 3, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at E. M. Bud Cole field, when they host the Kewanee Boilermakers.
Captions: 1. Coach Steve Snider attends his first Pre-Game as Morrison’s Head Coach. 2. Alex Anderson (4) eyes an opening in Newman’s line. 3. Justice Brainerd (9) fights off a Newman blocker in pursuit of Marcus Williams (33.) 4. Logan Baker (10) reaches for Marcus Williams (33.)
