Well, the much-ballyhooed excessive heat issue, became a non-issue when the hot, muggy conditions were washed out by a series of late afternoon storms, making for perfectly pleasant playing conditions Friday night at the MAC.

Turnovers would factor large in the playing of this game.  Bethel-Tate had the first one, getting intercepted by Alex Amin, setting up Luke Schroeder for a 9 yard touchdown run.  When Tyler Smith knocked home the PAT, the Mustangs led 7-0 early on.  The Tigers would answer with only 17 seconds remaining in the first stanza when Tiger Quarterback Cameron Snider connected with Waylan Morris, making it 7-6, but the PAT attempt was errant, and the Mustangs continued to lead 7-6 heading for the second frame.

A flag would nullify a 66 yard Cam Mandel touchdown run early in the second period.  We would collect those six points, when Keegan Gullet made a 14 yard trophy run to extend the Mustangs’ lead to 13-6 and then 14-6 with the successful Smith PAT.  Again, Bethel-Tate answered as Snider found Morris again, this time for a 38yard score.  The Tigers went for 2, and the Mustangs defense was up to the task, and continued to hold the lead at 14-12.  The Tigers took the lead for good with 2:41 remaining in the half, when Willie Rapp picked off Gulley and traveled 34 yard for the Bethel Touchdown, and despite coming up empty on the 2-Point try, led 18-14, which would be the final score.  There were 12 possession changes in the second quarter.

We certainly had our chances in the second half, as we marched from our 16 to the Tigers 25, but Smith was unable to connect on the 40 yard Field Goal attempt, and would later have his second effort blocked.  Bethel-Tate snapped the ball over the kicker’s head on two occasions setting our guys up for a successful conclusion, but fumbles thwarted those endeavors and this one will be remembered as a “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda” game. 

We will be on the road to the mountains next Saturday night for a 6pm engagement with the Pineville Mountain Lions, who we will be facing for the first time in our history.