Varsity Recap JJP vs W.T. White (10-21-16)
The Mustangs kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling, 60-54, overtime victory over the visiting Longhorns from W.T. White at Mustang-Eagle stadium on Friday Night.
Quarterback Gray Rodgers threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter, the first two to tight end Chris Ariz (20,12) and the third, a perfectly thrown deep-ball to Cody Benton (58) to take a 22-14 lead. The Longhorns scored on a short run on the first play of the second quarter to keep it close at 22-21 in a game where defense was scarce.
Rodgers scored on a 4-yard keeper on the ensuing possession to run the lead to 29-21, but the Longhorns controlled the remainder of the second quarter with a field goal and a late touchdown to recapture the lead, 30-29, at the break.
W.T. White took control of the game of the third quarter by scoring on their opening possession, foiling a Mustang fake-punt near midfield and connecting on a 37-yard goal to run the lead to 40-29 midway through the third quarter. Benton had one of the best catches of the year on the next possession, a 27-yarder down to the Longhorn 14-yard line in which he leapt, spun and toe-tapped the west sideline in a rare symphony of athletic ability. The Longhorn defense stiffened, though, and the Ponies had to settle for a 38-yard field goal from sophomore John Aldridge, who kicked well all night long for Pearce in his varsity debut. The field goal was Pearce’s first score since midway through the second quarter and would prove critical in the end. But the momentum went out the window in a hurry as the Longhorns returned the ensuing kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown to close out the scoring in the third quarter.
Trailing 46-32 as the final quarter began, and with playoff aspirations dissipating into the cool Fall air, the Mustangs found a spark. After punting the ball away to the Longhorns on its first possession of the quarter, linebacker Jackson Duffey made a thrilling interception that he returned 39 yards to pay-dirt, keeping the Mustangs in the game at 46-39. But after an unsportsmanlike penalty on the Mustangs, and a long kick return by White, the Longhorns scored again and converted an impromptu 2-point conversion to lead 54-39 midway through the final stanza.
Rodgers (22-32 for 297 yards and three touchdowns on the night) and senior wide receiver, Jack Watson, ignited the ensuing drive with a nifty pass completion over the middle for 29 yards. Rodgers (22 carries for 97 yards on the night) and senior running back, Otis Blanton (17 carries for 98 yards) tag-teamed some very nice runs thereafter and Blanton capped the 9-play drive with a five-yard touchdown run to keep Pearce in it at 54-46.
The Mustang defense forced a 39-yard field goal attempt, which the Longhorns narrowly missed, leaving the door open for the feisty Mustangs with mere minutes to play. A penalty left the Mustangs 88 yards from the White goal line, but Rodgers connected with Blanton on a screen pass on 3rd and long and, although Blanton was stopped a few yards shy of the first down, White was called for unnecessary roughness on the tackle and Pearce had a critical first down at their own 45-yard line.
The Mustangs soon faced 3rd and 15 near midfield but Rodgers again found Watson over the middle, this time for 20 yards and the Stangs were still alive. With the clock running out, Rodgers dialed up Ariz on a backside screen for 17 yards down to the White 3-yard line, then Blanton broke a tackle and scored on the next play to narrow the gap to 54-52. The Mustangs still needed a 2-point conversion but nothing was going to stop the Mustangs at this point. Blanton took a direct snap and headed left, then handed the ball to Watson coming back to the right. As the defense converged on Watson, he passed to Rodgers who had slipped behind the defense and the game headed to overtime at a 54-54 deadlock.
The Mustang defense forced a 38-yard field goal attempt in overtime, which missed badly. Then the Mustangs kept it on the ground in their possession, Rodgers and Blanton taking turns until Rodgers lowered his shoulder and forced his way into the end zone from 2 yards out for the improbable and thrilling 60-54 victory.
The victory ran Pearce’s record to 3-5 overall, 2-3 in district play. The Mustangs next play the Lake Highlands Wildcats on Friday, October 28th at Mustang-Eagle at 7:30 pm with playoff hopes on the line.
Varsity Recap- JJP vs. Jesuit Week 7 (10-14-16)
The Pearce Mustangs lost a high-scoring battle to the Jesuit Rangers on Friday night at Haggar Stadium, 74-52. The game was a thriller and was never really decided until the fourth quarter.
Jesuit took the opening kickoff and used an up-tempo offense to score a touchdown and convert a two-point attempt to grab an early 8-0 lead but electric junior receiver, Bo Garner, used his blazing speed to return the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown to close the gap to 8-7. Jesuit then muffed Daniel Davies’ ensuing kickoff and the Mustangs recovered the ball at the Jesuit 39-yard line. On the second play thereafter, QB Gray Rodgers threw a perfect strike to a striding Dee Barlow for a 42-yard touchdown and the Ponies had scored twice within 30 seconds to take the lead at 14-8.
After another Jesuit tally on the next possession, the Mustangs faced a 4th and one at the Jesuit 24. Rodgers raced the distance for the touchdown, regaining the lead in the process, 21-15. The teams continued to trade blows, neither wanting to blink in a game where defense and punters were scarce. Senior receiver Cody Benton made his way behind the Ranger secondary in the second quarter and hauled in another strike from Rodgers, this time from 59 yards out. A failed two-point attempt made the score Pearce 27, Jesuit 22.
After a 63-yard touchdown pass for Jesuit, Dee Barlow got back in the act with a 28-yard touchdown catch from the smoking gun of Rodgers, who torched the Rangers for over 400 yards on the night and five touchdowns passes. This particular assault led to a Mustang lead of 34-29. The Rangers were undeterred and scored on a long run to regain the lead, and then got the defensive stop of the night and scored yet again to break the cycle and pace Jesuit to a 43-34 advantage. The Mustangs closed the first-half scoring with a Davies field goal (33) and the Ponies trailed 43-37 at the break.
The Pearce defense played very admirably at times in the second half. On Jesuit’s opening drive of the second half, the defense stiffened in the red zone and forced a field goal attempt, which Jesuit missed; however, the Mustangs were penalized for being offsides, giving Jesuit another set of downs. The Mustang defense stopped Jesuit yet again but this time the Rangers converted the field goal to increase the lead to 46-37.
The Rangers scored again shortly thereafter and it looked as though the game was getting away from Pearce at 53-37, but Rodgers and Barlow had other ideas and connected on their third touchdown strike, this time from 42 yards out and the Stangs kept it close, 53-44, headed to the final quarter. The Pearce defense had another good sequence where they forced two Jesuit punts, but the offense couldn’t convert those opportunities into points and the Rangers put the game away with two long runs against a battered and exhausted Pearce defense that fought hard and played better than the 74 points would lead one to believe.
Rodgers and Barlow (10 catches for 229 yards and 4 touchdowns on the evening) took their curtain call with yet another touchdown in the 4th quarter, this time a 43-yarder. Their four connections placed both in the running for the Dallas Morning News Offensive Player of the Week and their performances kept their team in the game against the best team in District 9-6A. When the score was settled, the Mustangs lost the game, 74-52, but gained the respect of the Jesuit players, coaches and fans and sent notice to all that this team is improving.
While David Collins and his staff might shy away from talk of moral victories, the Mustangs gave a good accounting of themselves on Friday night and appear to have turned a corner in their quest to become a perennial playoff participant. The loss drops the Mustangs to 2-5 overall, 1-3 in district; however, they still control their own destiny and will make the playoffs if they can defeat their final three foes, W.T. White (Oct. 21), Lake Highlands (Oct. 28) and Skyline (Nov. 3).
Varsity Recap-JJP vs Berkner Week 6 (10-7-16)
The Berkner Rams defeated the Pearce Mustangs 44-27 on Friday night at Eagle-Mustang stadium. Running back Terance Hargest and wideout Barry Green were too much for the Mustangs and helped quarterback Kris Castillo amass over 500 yards of total offense on the night.
The Mustangs played the Rams toe-to-toe in the first half on the strength of two Daniel Davies field goals (28,35) and a perfectly executed, 17-yard touchdown pass from senior QB Gray Rodgers to senior wideout Cody Benton, who reeled in the post route with toe-tapping efficiency in the back of the north end zone. The Rams countered with a field goal of their own (24) and two Hargest scampers (46,5) to take a 17-13 lead to the locker room at halftime.
The Mustangs, however, couldn’t keep pace with the potent Ram offense in the second half in a game that featured only 28 combined pass attempts, 14 by each team. The Mustangs got the ball first in the second half and moved into Ram territory, but two penalties killed the drive and the Mustangs were forced to punt. The Rams immediately took control of the game with three consecutive runs by Hargest, which featured his rare combination of speed and power. Hargest started with a benign running play of two yards, but followed it up with the run of the evening, a 60-yarder that featured quick feet, brute strength and a multitude of broken tackles. Hargest scored on the following play when he reversed field and broke yet another tackle on the way to his third rushing touchdown, this one from 18 yards out. He tallied 298 yards rushing on the night and was clearly the best player on the field.
Pearce turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing possession when the Rams stuffed Rodgers on a QB-keeper at the Mustang 38-yard line on 4th and 2. Hargest figuratively handed the baton to teammate Barry Green at that point, who caught a short pass on 4th and 11 from the Pony 30-yard line and tight-roped the west sideline into the south end zone, staking the Rams to a commanding 31-13 advantage.
The teams traded touchdowns down the stretch but the Mustangs never got closer than an 11-point deficit and Berkner was in control throughout. Rodgers and Blanton each had rushing scores, 12 and 5 yards respectively, but Green countered with two of his own, one rushing (25) and one receiving (20), and the matter was settled decisively, Berkner 44 Pearce 27.
The Mustangs fell to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in district play and will play district-leading Jesuit next Friday at 7:30 pm at Haggar Stadium on the Jesuit campus.
The Berkner Rams defeated the Pearce Mustangs 44-27 on Friday night at Eagle-Mustang stadium. Running back Terance Hargest and wideout Barry Green were too much for the Mustangs and helped quarterback Kris Castillo amass over 500 yards of total offense on the night.
The Mustangs played the Rams toe-to-toe in the first half on the strength of two Daniel Davies field goals (28,35) and a perfectly executed, 17-yard touchdown pass from senior QB Gray Rodgers to senior wideout Cody Benton, who reeled in the post route with toe-tapping efficiency in the back of the north end zone. The Rams countered with a field goal of their own (24) and two Hargest scampers (46,5) to take a 17-13 lead to the locker room at halftime.
The Mustangs, however, couldn’t keep pace with the potent Ram offense in the second half in a game that featured only 28 combined pass attempts, 14 by each team. The Mustangs got the ball first in the second half and moved into Ram territory, but two penalties killed the drive and the Mustangs were forced to punt. The Rams immediately took control of the game with three consecutive runs by Hargest, which featured his rare combination of speed and power. Hargest started with a benign running play of two yards, but followed it up with the run of the evening, a 60-yarder that featured quick feet, brute strength and a multitude of broken tackles. Hargest scored on the following play when he reversed field and broke yet another tackle on the way to his third rushing touchdown, this one from 18 yards out. He tallied 298 yards rushing on the night and was clearly the best player on the field.
Pearce turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing possession when the Rams stuffed Rodgers on a QB-keeper at the Mustang 38-yard line on 4th and 2. Hargest figuratively handed the baton to teammate Barry Green at that point, who caught a short pass on 4th and 11 from the Pony 30-yard line and tight-roped the west sideline into the south end zone, staking the Rams to a commanding 31-13 advantage.
The teams traded touchdowns down the stretch but the Mustangs never got closer than an 11-point deficit and Berkner was in control throughout. Rodgers and Blanton each had rushing scores, 12 and 5 yards respectively, but Green countered with two of his own, one rushing (25) and one receiving (20), and the matter was settled decisively, Berkner 44 Pearce 27.
The Mustangs fell to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in district play and will play district-leading Jesuit next Friday at 7:30 pm at Haggar Stadium on the Jesuit campus.
Varsity Recap JJP vs Coppell 9-30-16 (Week 5)
The J.J. Pearce Mustangs lost to the Coppell Cowboys, 48-16, on Friday night in front of a large, Homecoming crowd at Buddy Echols Field in Coppell. The Mustangs knew that the game would be a big challenge as many pre-season prognosticators had Coppell winning District 9-6A.
The game started on a positive note when Daniel Davies’ lofting kickoff found the perfect spot in between the second and third levels of the Cowboy return formation and the Mustangs recovered the ball in Cowboy territory. After one first down, however, the Coppell defense stiffened and the Ponies settled for a Davies 28-yard field goal and an early 3-0 lead.
The Cowboys dominated the rest of the first quarter, and the beginning of the second quarter, scoring four touchdowns to build a 28-3 lead. The latter three of these were touchdown passes, two of which were of the deep variety that has plagued the Mustang defense for the first half of the season. The Mustangs, albeit too late, played the Cowboys straight-up the rest of the way, allowing only one more offensive touchdown the rest of the way, despite the fact that Coppell left their starters in for almost the entire game.
QB Gray Rodgers led a 10-play, 75-yard drive culminating in a fourth-down, 29-yard touchdown hookup with a sliding Jack Brewer to shave the lead to 28-9 midway through the second quarter. The Cowboys, who had the best kicking game for a high school team that these eyes have ever seen, booted a 51-yard field goal late in the half to send the teams to the locker rooms at 31-9.
The Cowboys put the game virtually out of reach when they returned a Mustang turnover for a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half, staking themselves to 38-9 lead. The Mustangs mounted an outstanding drive on the ensuing possession but, after gaining a first down inside the Cowboys’ one-yard line, couldn’t score on four consecutive running plays, removing any potential drama from the game.
The teams traded touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs’ being another 10-play drive featuring two nice Drew Wylie-to-Jack Watson hookups for 47 yards that set the table for a Bo Garner plunge from 3 yards out. Watson paced the Mustang receiving corps with 5 catches for 80 yards on the evening.
Coppell, with a 29-point lead, threw the ball four times on their final drive, then kicked a field goal on the last play of the game, displaying both poor sportsmanship and blatant disrespect for a program on the mend. One can only think that these actions went straight into the memory bank of head coach David Collins and his staff, who will eventually have their day.
The final score of 48-16 sent the Mustangs to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in District play. The Mustangs will host cross-town rival Berkner (3-2/1-1) this coming Friday at 7:30 at Mustang-Eagle stadium.
The J.J. Pearce Mustangs lost to the Coppell Cowboys, 48-16, on Friday night in front of a large, Homecoming crowd at Buddy Echols Field in Coppell. The Mustangs knew that the game would be a big challenge as many pre-season prognosticators had Coppell winning District 9-6A.
The game started on a positive note when Daniel Davies’ lofting kickoff found the perfect spot in between the second and third levels of the Cowboy return formation and the Mustangs recovered the ball in Cowboy territory. After one first down, however, the Coppell defense stiffened and the Ponies settled for a Davies 28-yard field goal and an early 3-0 lead.
The Cowboys dominated the rest of the first quarter, and the beginning of the second quarter, scoring four touchdowns to build a 28-3 lead. The latter three of these were touchdown passes, two of which were of the deep variety that has plagued the Mustang defense for the first half of the season. The Mustangs, albeit too late, played the Cowboys straight-up the rest of the way, allowing only one more offensive touchdown the rest of the way, despite the fact that Coppell left their starters in for almost the entire game.
QB Gray Rodgers led a 10-play, 75-yard drive culminating in a fourth-down, 29-yard touchdown hookup with a sliding Jack Brewer to shave the lead to 28-9 midway through the second quarter. The Cowboys, who had the best kicking game for a high school team that these eyes have ever seen, booted a 51-yard field goal late in the half to send the teams to the locker rooms at 31-9.
The Cowboys put the game virtually out of reach when they returned a Mustang turnover for a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half, staking themselves to 38-9 lead. The Mustangs mounted an outstanding drive on the ensuing possession but, after gaining a first down inside the Cowboys’ one-yard line, couldn’t score on four consecutive running plays, removing any potential drama from the game.
The teams traded touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs’ being another 10-play drive featuring two nice Drew Wylie-to-Jack Watson hookups for 47 yards that set the table for a Bo Garner plunge from 3 yards out. Watson paced the Mustang receiving corps with 5 catches for 80 yards on the evening.
Coppell, with a 29-point lead, threw the ball four times on their final drive, then kicked a field goal on the last play of the game, displaying both poor sportsmanship and blatant disrespect for a program on the mend. One can only think that these actions went straight into the memory bank of head coach David Collins and his staff, who will eventually have their day.
The final score of 48-16 sent the Mustangs to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in District play. The Mustangs will host cross-town rival Berkner (3-2/1-1) this coming Friday at 7:30 at Mustang-Eagle stadium.
Varsity Recap JJP vs Richardson Week 4
The J.J. Pearce Mustangs shook off a sluggish start to defeat their fiercest rival, the Richardson Eagles, 21-7 on Friday night at Eagle-Mustang Stadium. The game included all of the trappings that you would expect of a rivalry game, and with J.J. Pearce Homecoming proceedings to boot. If that wasn’t enough, both schools have new head coaches with new, or revamped, styles and staffs and it was the first district game for both schools. All of this led to an olio of high emotion, high anticipation and high hopes for both schools.
The stadium was electric as kickoff approached, and summer weather defiantly lingered as the Mustangs unveiled a new, all-blue, look for the big game. Junior receiver Bo Garner returned the opening kickoff into Richardson territory but a determined Eagle defense forced two turnovers on the Mustangs’ first two possessions. Junior safety Clayton Price intercepted an Eagle aerial on Richardson’s first possession to send a message that the Pony defense, who welcomed previously injured linebackers Michael Kihoto and Mitch Campbell back into the fold, was ready to play as well.
Richardson drew first blood early in the second quarter on a short touchdown pass to lead 7-0. The Mustangs immediately responded with a well-engineered, nine-play touchdown drive of its own. Quarterback Gray Rodgers threw screen passes to running back Otis Blanton (17 yards) and Jack Brewer (16 yards), then gained good yardage on two keepers to move the Mustangs deep into Eagle territory. Rodgers then audibled at the line of scrimmage, dialing up a fade route for junior receiver Dee Barlow, who used his 6’3” frame to bring down the well-thrown ball from 7 yards out, knotting the score at 7-7 midway through the second quarter.
The Mustangs played their most complete half of the season in the second half. Jarrett Lambert’s defense was relentless, holding the Richardson offense to under three yards rushing per attempt on the night. The secondary played well with the few opportunities that they had against the pass, highlighted by Price’s interception, but the story of the night on defense was the play of the front seven. Tackles Troy Tubby and Hunter McCord both had sacks and caused problems for the Eagle offense all night long with multiple tackles and great penetration. The linebacking corps was outstanding, led by seniors Stone Sawyer, Mitch Campbell and Chris Ariz. They were active and aggressive all night, holding Richardson to under 100 yards rushing and bringing stability to the game for Pearce while the offense was trying to find its way.
The defense forced the Eagles to punt into a strong wind midway through the third quarter, giving the ball back to the offense near midfield. Rodgers, Blanton and Barlow dominated the game the rest of the way. Rodgers used his feet to get the drive going on a QB draw, then hooked up with Barlow on an 18-yard reception before Blanton plunged in from three yards out, running through a defensive back along the way, to give the Mustangs their first lead of the night, 14-7, at the 1:42 mark of the 3rd quarter.
Once again the defense held and got the ball back for the offense early in the fourth quarter, and the offense put the game away with another outstanding drive. It was similar to the previous touchdown drive in that it was again led by tough running from Rodgers and Blanton and big receptions from Barlow, the last of which was a highlight-reel, one-hander on a 17-yard post route that sent the west stands into euphoria and the east stands to the exits.
When the dust settled, it was a big 21-7 victory for J.J. Pearce, evening the Mustangs' overall record at 2-2 and beginning district play at 1-0. The Mustangs play the Coppell Cowboys next Friday, September 30, at Buddy Echols Field/Stadium in Coppell.
The J.J. Pearce Mustangs shook off a sluggish start to defeat their fiercest rival, the Richardson Eagles, 21-7 on Friday night at Eagle-Mustang Stadium. The game included all of the trappings that you would expect of a rivalry game, and with J.J. Pearce Homecoming proceedings to boot. If that wasn’t enough, both schools have new head coaches with new, or revamped, styles and staffs and it was the first district game for both schools. All of this led to an olio of high emotion, high anticipation and high hopes for both schools.
The stadium was electric as kickoff approached, and summer weather defiantly lingered as the Mustangs unveiled a new, all-blue, look for the big game. Junior receiver Bo Garner returned the opening kickoff into Richardson territory but a determined Eagle defense forced two turnovers on the Mustangs’ first two possessions. Junior safety Clayton Price intercepted an Eagle aerial on Richardson’s first possession to send a message that the Pony defense, who welcomed previously injured linebackers Michael Kihoto and Mitch Campbell back into the fold, was ready to play as well.
Richardson drew first blood early in the second quarter on a short touchdown pass to lead 7-0. The Mustangs immediately responded with a well-engineered, nine-play touchdown drive of its own. Quarterback Gray Rodgers threw screen passes to running back Otis Blanton (17 yards) and Jack Brewer (16 yards), then gained good yardage on two keepers to move the Mustangs deep into Eagle territory. Rodgers then audibled at the line of scrimmage, dialing up a fade route for junior receiver Dee Barlow, who used his 6’3” frame to bring down the well-thrown ball from 7 yards out, knotting the score at 7-7 midway through the second quarter.
The Mustangs played their most complete half of the season in the second half. Jarrett Lambert’s defense was relentless, holding the Richardson offense to under three yards rushing per attempt on the night. The secondary played well with the few opportunities that they had against the pass, highlighted by Price’s interception, but the story of the night on defense was the play of the front seven. Tackles Troy Tubby and Hunter McCord both had sacks and caused problems for the Eagle offense all night long with multiple tackles and great penetration. The linebacking corps was outstanding, led by seniors Stone Sawyer, Mitch Campbell and Chris Ariz. They were active and aggressive all night, holding Richardson to under 100 yards rushing and bringing stability to the game for Pearce while the offense was trying to find its way.
The defense forced the Eagles to punt into a strong wind midway through the third quarter, giving the ball back to the offense near midfield. Rodgers, Blanton and Barlow dominated the game the rest of the way. Rodgers used his feet to get the drive going on a QB draw, then hooked up with Barlow on an 18-yard reception before Blanton plunged in from three yards out, running through a defensive back along the way, to give the Mustangs their first lead of the night, 14-7, at the 1:42 mark of the 3rd quarter.
Once again the defense held and got the ball back for the offense early in the fourth quarter, and the offense put the game away with another outstanding drive. It was similar to the previous touchdown drive in that it was again led by tough running from Rodgers and Blanton and big receptions from Barlow, the last of which was a highlight-reel, one-hander on a 17-yard post route that sent the west stands into euphoria and the east stands to the exits.
When the dust settled, it was a big 21-7 victory for J.J. Pearce, evening the Mustangs' overall record at 2-2 and beginning district play at 1-0. The Mustangs play the Coppell Cowboys next Friday, September 30, at Buddy Echols Field/Stadium in Coppell.
JJP Varsity Recap/Frisco Wakeland Week 3
The Frisco Wakeland Wolverines defeated the visiting Mustangs of J.J. Pearce on Friday night at Frisco I.S.D. Memorial Stadium by the score of 54-28. The teams traded blows in the first half in what was a closely-contested game. Lakeland’s dynamic running back, Jay Orji, got the scoring started on the second play from scrimmage by bursting through the middle for 66 yards and a 7-0 lead but the Mustangs countered with a well-balanced,11-play drive that culminated in a Cody Benton 15-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Gray Rodgers, knotting the score at 7.
After trading punts, Orji struck again, this time from 52 yards out on a sweep left, which re-staked Lakeland to a 7 point lead at 14-7. After a Mustang turnover on the ensuing possession, Wakeland scored on a 58-yard pass to take control of the game at 21-7. The Mustangs retaliated quickly, though, when running back Otis Blanton (26 carries for 147 yards on the night) ran through an arm-tackle at the 10-yard line on his way to a 28-yard touchdown scamper up the gut to narrow the margin, 21-14.
After another Wolverine tally, Pearce executed another fantastic drive, 10 plays, highlighted by a fantastic 25-yard catch and run by receiver Dee Barlow (6 catches for 90 yards on the night), who drug tacklers down to the 3-yard line. Two plays later, and with time running out in the half, Rodgers rolled left and hit receiver Jack Brewer for a touchdown that led to the halftime score of Wakeland 28, Pearce 21.
The Mustangs struggled on offense in the second half, mustering only one touchdown, a nifty 30-yard hookup from Rodgers to Jack Watson in the 4th quarter. The Wolverines scored 26 points in the half against a weary Pony defense that was on the field way too much to withstand the inevitable fatigue and tough results that accompany that fact.
When the dust settled, it was a tough, 54-28 loss for the Mustangs, who closed out non-district play with a 1-2 record. On the bright side, the Mustangs’ non-district opponents are currently a combined 6-2, with the two losses by a combined 4 points (one of them dished out by these very Mustangs).
J.J. Pearce will circle the wagons with a much-needed bye week this week and then face rival Richardson High School (Homecoming) on Friday, September 23rd at 7:30 at Mustang-Eagle Stadium
The Frisco Wakeland Wolverines defeated the visiting Mustangs of J.J. Pearce on Friday night at Frisco I.S.D. Memorial Stadium by the score of 54-28. The teams traded blows in the first half in what was a closely-contested game. Lakeland’s dynamic running back, Jay Orji, got the scoring started on the second play from scrimmage by bursting through the middle for 66 yards and a 7-0 lead but the Mustangs countered with a well-balanced,11-play drive that culminated in a Cody Benton 15-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Gray Rodgers, knotting the score at 7.
After trading punts, Orji struck again, this time from 52 yards out on a sweep left, which re-staked Lakeland to a 7 point lead at 14-7. After a Mustang turnover on the ensuing possession, Wakeland scored on a 58-yard pass to take control of the game at 21-7. The Mustangs retaliated quickly, though, when running back Otis Blanton (26 carries for 147 yards on the night) ran through an arm-tackle at the 10-yard line on his way to a 28-yard touchdown scamper up the gut to narrow the margin, 21-14.
After another Wolverine tally, Pearce executed another fantastic drive, 10 plays, highlighted by a fantastic 25-yard catch and run by receiver Dee Barlow (6 catches for 90 yards on the night), who drug tacklers down to the 3-yard line. Two plays later, and with time running out in the half, Rodgers rolled left and hit receiver Jack Brewer for a touchdown that led to the halftime score of Wakeland 28, Pearce 21.
The Mustangs struggled on offense in the second half, mustering only one touchdown, a nifty 30-yard hookup from Rodgers to Jack Watson in the 4th quarter. The Wolverines scored 26 points in the half against a weary Pony defense that was on the field way too much to withstand the inevitable fatigue and tough results that accompany that fact.
When the dust settled, it was a tough, 54-28 loss for the Mustangs, who closed out non-district play with a 1-2 record. On the bright side, the Mustangs’ non-district opponents are currently a combined 6-2, with the two losses by a combined 4 points (one of them dished out by these very Mustangs).
J.J. Pearce will circle the wagons with a much-needed bye week this week and then face rival Richardson High School (Homecoming) on Friday, September 23rd at 7:30 at Mustang-Eagle Stadium
JJP Varsity Recap Week 2
Irving Nimitz 9-1-16
Click here to watch video of game produced by John Brewer.
The J.J. Pearce Mustangs defeated the Irving Nimitz Vikings in their home-opener, a 51-48 overtime thriller on Thursday night at Eagle-Mustang stadium. It was certainly a roller coaster ride for new head coach, David Collins and his staff, who didn’t breathe easily until Nimitz’ game-tying field goal attempt in Overtime was blocked by junior cornerback Max Braht, sending the Mustangs to a 1-1 record in non-district play.
Senior Quarterback Gray Rodgers led the way in what was a very gritty performance. With the Nimitz focus on senior running back Otis Blanton all night, offensive coordinator David Costlow had to find other ways to move the ball. Rodgers' number was called early and often and, despite being hit hard all night long, he answered the bell.
Nimitz outplayed the Mustangs in the first half to the tune of 27-20 despite two Blanton scampers (37,9) and one ankle-breaking slant-and-fade route by junior wideout, Dee Barlow (8). The fireworks really began in the second half. Reversing a negative trend from last week, the Mustangs dominated the third quarter by outscoring the Vikings 21-0. Rodgers lowered his shoulder and plunged into the end zone from 1-yard out to knot the score at 27early in the third quarter, then senior safety Kaden Hollowell kept the momentum going with an outstanding tackle on the ensuing kickoff, pinning Nimitz back inside their own 20.
New defensive coordinator Jarett Lambert’s defense played outstandingly before and after a Mustang turnover, not yielding a first down in either play-set to keep the momentum intact. Then the offense went back to work. Rodgers scrambled for 29 yards, making several Vikings miss in the process and then found senior slot receiver, Jack Brewer for 27 yards up the seam for the go-ahead touchdown (34-27).
On the ensuing possession, the Pony defense forced a 4th and 1 near midfield and the Vikings, sensing that the game was slipping away, decided to go for the first down. But junior tackle Johnny Baergen slipped into the B-gap and delivered a teeth-rattler to Nimitz running back, Mark Eugene, and the crowd erupted. On the very next play, silky-smooth senior wideout Cody Benton separated from double coverage and Rodgers hit him in stride on a 44-yard streak to double the lead at 41-27 with 1:06 left in the third quarter.
The teams traded touchdowns in the first 7 minutes of the 4th quarter. The Pearce TD came after Rodgers and Brewer connected for 19 yards on a key 3rd down; then Benton adeptly shifted his body to come back and catch an under-thrown deep ball for 29 yards to set the table for Rodgers’ 1-yard plunge.
The Vikings put together an impressive, 79-yard drive to narrow the lead to 8 points at 48-40 with 2:25 left, but junior Troy Tubby blocked the extra point. The Vikings, however, recovered an onside kick on the following play, and drove the ball 42 yards in 8 plays to score with less than 1 minute remaining. They converted the necessary 2-point play to knot the game at 48 and send it into overtime.
The Mustangs settled for a field goal on their possession in overtime to take a 51-48 lead but the Vikings quickly moved down to the Mustang 1-yard line on their possession, pushing the Mustangs to the brink of defeat. On 3rd and goal, the Mustang defense came up big when junior tackle Troy Tubby, senior linebacker Chris Ariz, junior safety Clayton Price and senior linebacker Stone Sawyer all penetrated the Viking defense and tackled the Nimitz’ running back for a loss, forcing the Vikings to settle for a game-tying field goal attempt.
Braht then saved the day by flying in from the left side and fully-extending his body to block the field-goal attempt, immediately ending the game and sending the home crowd into euphoria. The Mustangs head north to take on the Frisco Wakeland Wolverines at 7:30 on Friday night at Memorial Stadium in Frisco. Both teams are 1-1.
Irving Nimitz 9-1-16
Click here to watch video of game produced by John Brewer.
The J.J. Pearce Mustangs defeated the Irving Nimitz Vikings in their home-opener, a 51-48 overtime thriller on Thursday night at Eagle-Mustang stadium. It was certainly a roller coaster ride for new head coach, David Collins and his staff, who didn’t breathe easily until Nimitz’ game-tying field goal attempt in Overtime was blocked by junior cornerback Max Braht, sending the Mustangs to a 1-1 record in non-district play.
Senior Quarterback Gray Rodgers led the way in what was a very gritty performance. With the Nimitz focus on senior running back Otis Blanton all night, offensive coordinator David Costlow had to find other ways to move the ball. Rodgers' number was called early and often and, despite being hit hard all night long, he answered the bell.
Nimitz outplayed the Mustangs in the first half to the tune of 27-20 despite two Blanton scampers (37,9) and one ankle-breaking slant-and-fade route by junior wideout, Dee Barlow (8). The fireworks really began in the second half. Reversing a negative trend from last week, the Mustangs dominated the third quarter by outscoring the Vikings 21-0. Rodgers lowered his shoulder and plunged into the end zone from 1-yard out to knot the score at 27early in the third quarter, then senior safety Kaden Hollowell kept the momentum going with an outstanding tackle on the ensuing kickoff, pinning Nimitz back inside their own 20.
New defensive coordinator Jarett Lambert’s defense played outstandingly before and after a Mustang turnover, not yielding a first down in either play-set to keep the momentum intact. Then the offense went back to work. Rodgers scrambled for 29 yards, making several Vikings miss in the process and then found senior slot receiver, Jack Brewer for 27 yards up the seam for the go-ahead touchdown (34-27).
On the ensuing possession, the Pony defense forced a 4th and 1 near midfield and the Vikings, sensing that the game was slipping away, decided to go for the first down. But junior tackle Johnny Baergen slipped into the B-gap and delivered a teeth-rattler to Nimitz running back, Mark Eugene, and the crowd erupted. On the very next play, silky-smooth senior wideout Cody Benton separated from double coverage and Rodgers hit him in stride on a 44-yard streak to double the lead at 41-27 with 1:06 left in the third quarter.
The teams traded touchdowns in the first 7 minutes of the 4th quarter. The Pearce TD came after Rodgers and Brewer connected for 19 yards on a key 3rd down; then Benton adeptly shifted his body to come back and catch an under-thrown deep ball for 29 yards to set the table for Rodgers’ 1-yard plunge.
The Vikings put together an impressive, 79-yard drive to narrow the lead to 8 points at 48-40 with 2:25 left, but junior Troy Tubby blocked the extra point. The Vikings, however, recovered an onside kick on the following play, and drove the ball 42 yards in 8 plays to score with less than 1 minute remaining. They converted the necessary 2-point play to knot the game at 48 and send it into overtime.
The Mustangs settled for a field goal on their possession in overtime to take a 51-48 lead but the Vikings quickly moved down to the Mustang 1-yard line on their possession, pushing the Mustangs to the brink of defeat. On 3rd and goal, the Mustang defense came up big when junior tackle Troy Tubby, senior linebacker Chris Ariz, junior safety Clayton Price and senior linebacker Stone Sawyer all penetrated the Viking defense and tackled the Nimitz’ running back for a loss, forcing the Vikings to settle for a game-tying field goal attempt.
Braht then saved the day by flying in from the left side and fully-extending his body to block the field-goal attempt, immediately ending the game and sending the home crowd into euphoria. The Mustangs head north to take on the Frisco Wakeland Wolverines at 7:30 on Friday night at Memorial Stadium in Frisco. Both teams are 1-1.
Varsity Recap - Week 1
JJP vs McKinney 8-26-16
The Pearce Mustangs opened the 2016 season with a 55-35 loss to the McKinney Lions at Ron Poe stadium in McKinney on Friday Night. The Mustangs showed exciting flashes of what the David Collins era will bring but, in the end, it wasn’t enough to overcome the quick-strike offense of the McKinney Lions.
Despite having a mere three weeks together to prepare for the season, the players and coaches defied the odds in the opening half. After McKinney took an early 7-0 lead, the Mustangs controlled the remainder of the first half. On the second offensive possession of the game, Senior Quarterback Gray Rodgers connected with long-time battery mate, Cody Benton, on a streak along the west boundary for 49 yards to the McKinney 18-yard line. Five plays later, Rodgers scored on a goal line keeper to tie the score at 7.
After the defense forced a quick three-and-out, Otis Blanton exploded through a hole created by the offensive line and raced 68 yards to pay-dirt, staking the Mustangs to their first lead of the night, 14-7. After the Lions re-tied the score on a long pass, Rodgers engineered a well-balanced, 15-play drive that culminated with Junior receiver Dee Barlow pulling down a Rodgers aerial out of the heavy, August air to regain the lead, 21-14. The fade route into the back right corner was the Mustangs' third consecutive touchdown drive.
The defense was spectacular in the second quarter, yielding just 27 total yards and providing a short field for the offense on three consecutive possessions. Junior linebacker Ricky Gonzalez, junior tackle Troy Tubby, and senior tackle Hunter McCord frustrated the Lions with multiple sacks and tackles for losses during the stretch. McKinney was able to use a short field following a Mustang turnover to kick a field goal on the last play of the first half to trim the lead to 21-17.
The Lions cashed in on Mustang miscues and dominated the third quarter, 21-0, to take a commanding 38-21 lead. The Mustangs would fight back with two Blanton rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but the vertical passing attack of McKinney was just too much for the Mustangs in the season opener.
There were some outstanding performances. Blanton led all rushers with 23 carries for 176 yards and three touchdowns. Benton led the Mustang receiving corps with 8 catches for 76 yards and the front seven on defense played very well, setting the table for what should be a vastly improved defense this year.
The Pearce Mustangs opened the 2016 season with a 55-35 loss to the McKinney Lions at Ron Poe stadium in McKinney on Friday Night. The Mustangs showed exciting flashes of what the David Collins era will bring but, in the end, it wasn’t enough to overcome the quick-strike offense of the McKinney Lions.
Despite having a mere three weeks together to prepare for the season, the players and coaches defied the odds in the opening half. After McKinney took an early 7-0 lead, the Mustangs controlled the remainder of the first half. On the second offensive possession of the game, Senior Quarterback Gray Rodgers connected with long-time battery mate, Cody Benton, on a streak along the west boundary for 49 yards to the McKinney 18-yard line. Five plays later, Rodgers scored on a goal line keeper to tie the score at 7.
After the defense forced a quick three-and-out, Otis Blanton exploded through a hole created by the offensive line and raced 68 yards to pay-dirt, staking the Mustangs to their first lead of the night, 14-7. After the Lions re-tied the score on a long pass, Rodgers engineered a well-balanced, 15-play drive that culminated with Junior receiver Dee Barlow pulling down a Rodgers aerial out of the heavy, August air to regain the lead, 21-14. The fade route into the back right corner was the Mustangs' third consecutive touchdown drive.
The defense was spectacular in the second quarter, yielding just 27 total yards and providing a short field for the offense on three consecutive possessions. Junior linebacker Ricky Gonzalez, junior tackle Troy Tubby, and senior tackle Hunter McCord frustrated the Lions with multiple sacks and tackles for losses during the stretch. McKinney was able to use a short field following a Mustang turnover to kick a field goal on the last play of the first half to trim the lead to 21-17.
The Lions cashed in on Mustang miscues and dominated the third quarter, 21-0, to take a commanding 38-21 lead. The Mustangs would fight back with two Blanton rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but the vertical passing attack of McKinney was just too much for the Mustangs in the season opener.
There were some outstanding performances. Blanton led all rushers with 23 carries for 176 yards and three touchdowns. Benton led the Mustang receiving corps with 8 catches for 76 yards and the front seven on defense played very well, setting the table for what should be a vastly improved defense this year.