Stanton loses at Crofton

The Stanton Mustangs dropped their second consecutive game Friday night, falling 21-14 at Crofton.

The game was tied at 7 at halftime as both teams scored touchdowns in the second quarter after going scoreless in the first quarter.

The Warriors shutout the Mustangs 7-0 in the third quarter to lead 14-7 at the end of three.

Both teams traded touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Hunter Stallbaum was 6-10 passing for 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Myles Nickolite caught 3 passes for 74 yards while Henry Bohac caught one ball for 56 yards.

Stallbaum carried the ball 12 times for 56 yards, and scored once.

Mason King and Dylan Hunt finished with 14 tackles while Bohac notched 13. Trey Erbst made 12 while Nickolite had 11.

Stanton amassed 306 yards of total offense, including 169 through the air.

The Mustangs came up short for the second week in a row. The loss was tough and had to be somewhat frustrating for Stanton.

The Mustangs (4-2) host Ponca (3-3) Friday night.

The Indians fell 35-14 at home to the Indians this past Friday night.

Ponca lost 28-6 to Crofton, and I feel Stanton is in good shape to knock off the Indians.

This is a must win for the Mustangs, and Stanton has to play with a sense of urgency and purpose Friday night.

This game has to be a tune up for the Hartington Cedar Catholic and Battle Creek games to end the regular season.

The Mustangs have to come out fired up and jacked up to take on the Indians.

Stanton has to take the fight to Ponca, and get off to a strong start and build a lead.

The Mustangs have to "blitz" the Indians and put Ponca away early.

That might be difficult and may not happen, but Stanton has to do their best to roll Ponca.

The Mustangs are fighting for their playoff and district lives, and their play must resemble that.

Stanton is a longshot to win the district now, but the Mustangs have to continue to fight and battle in an effort to make the playoffs.

Close losses have to be frustrating, especially on the road, so I look for Stanton to take their frustrations out on Ponca.

The Mustangs have to finish drives and not turn the ball over. Tackling well and creating turnovers is important as well.

Stanton has to play as if their season is on the line, because it really is. The Mustangs can still make the playoffs, but I think Stanton is going to at least win two out of their last three regular season games to have a shot to get in, in my opinion.