Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report and took the photos.
A bright, but chilly, Friday, October 7, 2022, evening at E. M. “Bud” Cole Field in Morrison, IL, welcomed the Orion, IL, Chargers. The temperature set the “uncomfortable” environment, for what most fans considered a challenge for the Mustangs to prevail. However, the full moon was smiling, as the Mustangs established the format for their game–strong defense and unstoppable offense!
Following a three-and-out by the Chargers, the Mustang offense immediately marched 47 yards and scored, on a Danny Mouw-to-Daeshaun McQueen six-yard pass. McQueen’s extra point kick made it 7-0, with less then five minutes off the clock. Orion responded with a 15-play drive, that saw Running Back Cole Kratzberg touch the ball on ten of the plays, to tie the game at 7-7.
The scoreboard changed again at the 2:45 mark of the second quarter. Brady Anderson scooted the sideline for a 72-yard touchdown, followed by a McQueen kick, to up the score to 14-7. The first half scoring wasn’t over; Danny Mouw intercepted a Charger pass and returned it to the 21-yard line, with 1:19 on the clock. Chase Newman covered the 21-yards in two carries. The half time advantage was established at 20-7 in the Mustangs’ favor.
Morrison defense established the pace for the remainder of the game. They held the Chargers to a total of just four rushing yards and five passing yards, the entire third period. One drive was ended with an interception by Colton Bielema, that eventually ended in a Mustang score. Brady Anderson scored on two carries in the third period, on runs of three yards and 46 yards. The period ended with the score 33-7.
The Chargers had no other option but to “go to the air,” in an attempt to get back into the game. They managed one score, while the Mustangs crossed the goal line three times. That included a 14- yard Mouw-to-McQueen pass; a four-yard Logan Baker dive; a 48-yard Blake Adams pass interception. Those efforts closed out an evening of offense not recently seen by a Mustang team!
The loyal, chilly crowd was rewarded by big plays in the last quarter. Mustangs recorded 13 plays that gained over 14 yards each; highlighted by Brady Anderson’s 72-yard and 46-yard touchdowns; Blake Adams’ 48-yard interception; Carson Strating’s scampers of 39 and 36 yards; Danny Mouw-to-Daeshaun McQueen completions of 22, 36, 19, 24, and 14-yards; Mouw-to-Newman completion of 32-yards. The gleeful final score was 55-13.
The Mustangs will take the field next Saturday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m., to welcome a long-distance opponent. This game will fill the void left when Riverdale canceled their season. Morrison Football team will welcome the Leroy, IL, Panthers (3-4) from the Heart of Illinois Conference, which includes schools located in the Bloomington-Normal, IL, area.