Stanton tops Cross County

The Stanton Football team won 18-6 at Cross County Friday night.

The Mustangs led 12-0 at the end of one, and led by the same score at halftime before shutting out the Cougars 6-0 in the third quarter to go up 18-0 at the end of three.

Cross County scored their lone points of the game in the 4th quarter.

Marcus Spotanski was 10-21 passing for 111 yards while Kadyn Fernau was 2-2 with 53 yards and two touchdowns. Sutton Pohlman hauled in 4 passes for 74 yards while Fernau brought in 4 passes for 51 yards.

Gauge Erickson carried the rock 12 times for 76 yards while Fernau had 58 yards rushing on 10 carries, including a score. Beau Wilke carried the ball 4 times for 56 yards.

Head Coach David Stoddard says it's a luxury to have so many kids contribute in the run game. "Using multiple running backs gives us the opportunity to utilize each players particular skill set in our 3 back offense. We have the ability to get our wings, fullback, and quarterback touches in the running game with the understanding that they are blocking for each other when they are not carrying the ball and the players have done a good job of buying into that. We are fortunate to have a solid group of runners."

Stanton racked up 431 yards of total offense, 267 coming on the ground.

Stoddard says the fast start was key. "Getting the early lead last Friday was a huge advantage. We knew that we needed to have a good start this past week, as Cross County is a talented and young team. In the 1st half last week we fumbled the ball twice and had a punt blocked. You have to give credit to your opponent for creating pressure situations and turnovers, but we try to use each moment of adversity as an opportunity to grow and learn. We created some big plays in the first quarter and that paved the way for a successful night in the end."

Much better performance from the Mustangs. Stanton could of probably won bigger than they did, but the Mustangs got their offense on track in terms of gaining yards.

Stanton (2-1) travels to Logan View (2-1) Friday night to take on the Raiders.

Logan View upset C-2 preseason No. 1 Yutan 27-20 at home this past Friday night.

Stoddard says his squad has to defend well. "Logan View is a very talented and well coached team. Alignment, assignment, technique, and effort will be the key, as they are in any game to be successful. We have to do a great job of tackling in space, as they have skill position players that have the ability to run with speed and power. They are very multiple in their option attack, so being sound on option responsibilities will be very important."

This game ought to be very good. I feel the game can go either way.

Stanton is probably the stronger defensive team, but the Raiders have been the more consistent offensive time so far at least in terms of scoring points.

I would say this is a game the Mustangs need given how tough a district they're in.

Stoddard says his team isn't concerned about district play just yet. "All of our focus in on Logan View. The district games will be under the same approach of one game at a time. We have the opportunity this week to face a complete team that is well coached. This is the type of game that will prepare us for our upcoming district opponents. We need to be the best we can be to compete in every game. Our preparation and focus needs to be better each week, as we challenge ourselves to improve."

To me this is like a district game in terms of the type of competition Stanton is going to see.

The Mustangs need to come out and be ready to play good, sound assignment football.

Both of these teams are so well coached and disciplined, and it should be a great game.

I look for the game to come down to the final quarter, and perhaps the final drive.

I think one big offensive play or one big defensive stand could make the difference in this game.

Both of these teams are about even in my mind so Stanton has to remained disciplined, and can't commit any silly penalties or make any bonehead mistakes.

Taking care of the ball, forcing turnovers, and limiting penalties will be critical for the Mustangs, in my opinion.

Stanton is definitely capable of winning this game, and has the big game experience so it will be interesting to see how this one turns out.