Editor’s note: Article and first two photos submitted by Rusty Lindsey; other photos courtesy of Arlyn Pessman.
A one-sided first half and a dominant defensive effort paved the way for the Morrison Mustangs to defeat the Newman Comets in Saturday’s,[ July 27, 2013,] Alumni Game, hosted by Alumni Football USA.
Morrison dominated the game statistically, outgaining the Comets 347-63 [yards] and gaining 20 first downs to Newman’s four. However, Morrison’s inability to convert in the red zone stopped the Mustangs from turning the game into a blowout. Morrison turned the ball over inside the Newman 10-yard line four times, including a stop on the one-yard line as time ran out in the first half. The defense was up the task of protecting the lead and allowed the Comets to cross midfield to run just three plays.
Local football fans might have been looking forward to Morrison’s classic “Wing-T” offense against Newman’s patented “Wishbone” ground-and-pound attack, but the Mustangs provided a wrinkle to start the game that put the Comets on their heels. Led by Class of 2008 quarterback Nate Vandermyde, the Mustangs opened the game by spreading the field and attacking through the air with a no-huddle offense. The result saw the ‘Stangs take their first possession and turn it into a touchdown, on a 21-yard pass from Vandermyde to Kyle Janssen (Class of 2001.) Nick Vandermyde (Class of 2007) punched in the two-point conversion to make it 8-0.
Following a fumble recovery by Nathan Anderson (Class of 1997) later in the quarter, Nate Vandermyde found Jason Buikema (Class of 2001) for a 61-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0.
Newman would find their only points of the game on a second quarter punt return of 85 yards, for a touchdown by Andrew Papoccia (Class of 1999.) The two-point conversion made the score 14-8, which would stand through the second half as the final score.
Papoccia was named Newman’s Offensive MVP for the effort. Nate Vandermyde was named Morrison’s Offensive MVP, with an 8-13 passing effort for 169 yards and two touchdowns, all coming in the first half.
Newman’s Greg Miller (Class of 1971) and Morrison’s Bob Stone #59 (Class of 1977) were honored as the elder statesman of the contest.
The Mustangs rewarded Nathan Anderson (three tackles, fumble recovered, and two passes deflected) and 2012 graduate Matt McDonnell #52 (eight tackles, fumble recovery) as their Defensive MVPs. Fellow 2012 graduate Nate Ackert was named the Comets’ Defensive MVP.
