Eagles outlast Mustangs, 34-12

Oct. 8 the Kelliher/Northome Mustang football team traveled to Remer for what Coach Derrick Gross described as "a really good, hard hitting, fun game." Unfortunately, the host Eagles pulled away in the fourth quarter to claim a 34-12 victory.

Northland scored early in the game on a long run up the middle, taking advantage of a Mustang blitz. They recovered a turnover on the ensuing kickoff and went ahead 14-0 on a hard run that broke five tackles.

The Mustangs made a comeback in the second quarter scoring on a "very well executed counter play" and then a well timed middle screen. Both plays were long runs of over 50 yards and made the half time score 14-12.

The Mustangs moved the ball well in the third quarter, getting excellent blocking which allowed the backs to pick up good yardage on almost every play. However, penalties squashed three straight drives and a turnover led to another Eagle score making it 20-12 after three quarters.

Using their size and depth to good advantage, Northland wore down the Mustangs and were able to score twice in the last quarter. The Mustangs went to the air to try to make up the difference and were unable to consistently make receptions. The final tally was 34-12.

Coach Gross praised his team for their improvement claiming, "We played our best game of the season."

He was especially pleased with improvements on offensive execution and defensive pass coverage.

He said the game "was much closer than the score indicated" and praised the linemen for their blocking and the backs for running hard.

The Mustangs close thei regular season at Nevis Oct. 20 and start the playoffs Oct. 24.