2005 Year in Review

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Mustangs Gear Up for Panthers

The Mustangs will don their home uniforms for the first time since week two, when they host the Erie-Prophetstown Panthers on Friday night. After a 2-1 road trip that saw a blowout win to River Valley, a thrilling comeback victory over Amboy, and a disappointing loss at Bureau Valley, the Mustangs look to reload against the Panthers and get back on track. Both teams come into the game heading in opposite directions, with Morrison sitting at 4-1 while E-P is sputtering at 1-4.

While the Panthers have been close all season and have given Amboy and Fulton a tough go so far, the Panthers showed plenty of holes last week with a 40-0 blowout loss at the hands of the Peru St. Bede Bruins. The Panthers bring in a predictable offense that struggles to put the ball in the air let alone with decent results. The Panthers also have a suspect defense that has shown some huge holes that the Mustangs should look to exploit.
The Panthers have shown very few variences from their double tight, wing-T offense this season and their failure to pass the ball with accuracy as allowed teams to stack nine players in the box. Erie-Prophetstown does have a duo of very talented backs in Brad Anderson and Eric Byum that bring size (210 and 220) and speed to provide defenses with some headaches. While the Mustangs have already faced big backs such as Riverdale's Matt Moon, they have not seen a duo of such big backs. Morrison will not have to worry about an elusive quarterback like last week when Garrett Barnas gave them fits and that should allow better flow to the ball and more gang tackling.
Meanwhile, the Mustangs should look to add to their success and tune up an offense that struggled in the second half last week(23 yards). They will over a slightly different look with Mitch Stoermer and Chuck Cady taking over the responsibilites of split end this week. Shaun Vegter will also see his first action of the year at offensive tackle this week and will give the line an added boost on the depth chart. Junior place kicker, Jorge Hernandez, will also see his first action of the year at home this week and will hope to leave the crowd singing "Ole" with his kicks.
While the Mustangs will be focused on the Panthers Friday night, they will also be scoreboard watching on the battle of the unbeatens in Manlius when the Newman Comets hook up with the Bureau Valley Storm. Morrison will need a Newman victory if they have any hopes of a conference title, as the Comets are the only real test remaining for the 5-0 Storm.
Morrison will also be looking to clinch a playoff spot with a victory on Friday night. With Fulton and the Wooden Shoe Bowl waiting next week, the Mustangs will hope to use Friday night's game as a springboard into the remainder of the regular season as well as the playoffs.

by rustinl
2005-09-29 21:23:17