The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Houston Scarborough Spartans were no match for the West Orange-Stark Mustangs from the kick-off to start the game until the last snap when the scoreboard showed, 64-0. The Mustangs, however, proved to be gentlemen allowing a running clock from two minutes into the second quarter until the end, and pulling starters early, letting the younger players in on the game.

“I was really proud of our guys and they way that they prepared for this game,” Head Coach Cornel Thompson said. “Scarborough’s losing streak will end one of these days and we don’t want to be any part of that. The win gave us the opportunity to play all of our kids, several playing for the first time in a silver helmet.”

The Mustangs lived on the Spartan side of the field all night, never starting in their own territory. Most every drive ended in a touchdown, starting with the first one. The Mustangs hit pay dirt only three plays after their first possession, when quarterback Jack Dallas hit Deionte’ Thompson on a 7 yard pass. Hector Vela’s PAT was good and the Mustangs were up, 7-0.

WO-S scored 35 points in the first quarter before going to a continuous clock. Grant LaPoint-Teate was the next one to cross the goal line, running from 38 yards out to score. Defense got in on the scoring when Kalen Garrett picked up a Spartan fumble and returned it 20 yards for six.

After the next Spartan three and out, senior Trey Spencer took the ball on a sweep and ran 24 yards for the score. The last touchdown of the quarter was a 9 yard run by Keion Hancock, who was playing in his first varsity game. All five of Vela’s PATS were good.

The Chain Gang defense scored two safeties, the first on a Justin Brown sack of the punter and the second when the ball was snapped over the Spartan punter’s head. Will Johnson had a 53 yard kick off return for a score to end the first half.

Other scoring for the Mustangs in the second half were Aric Cormier on an 8 yard run, when he took the handoff from KJ Miller, who was moved up for play offs; Hancock scored on a two yard run and Trey Guillory ended the scoring with a 43 yard run.

The Mustangs finished the game with 302 total yards of offense, even though they always started in Spartan territory.

“The bottom line is we got a victory and it’s over,” Thompson said.

The Mustangs will face the Giddings Buffaloes, who beat Wharton in the first round of the playoffs, 31-14. The game is Friday night at 7 pm at Turner Stadium in Humble. The Buffaloes are a fairly familiar foe, as the two teams have played four times, three times in the playoffs.

“This is the fifth time for us to face them and we have a score to settle,” Thompson said. “We played them in a game I inherited and they beat us, 14-6 at Sam Houston. “

According to Thompson, they are in a pretty strong district with LaGrange and are the second place team in that district. They are led by junior quarterback Kyle Jones, who is their country operator. They have good team speed and are well coached.

“They like to spread the field, going to the run first, but will throw the ball,” Thompson said. “Their number 25 (Raylon Hickey) totes the ball and you have to watch out for the nose guard, Isaiah Edwards, who is a tosh hog in the middle. I’m looking for a great week of practice for our second round game.”

Tickets will be on sale in the WO-S Athletic office Thursday, November 20th from 9-12 and 1-3pm and Friday, November 21st from 9-12pm only. Ticket prices are $6 for Adults and $4 for students. All tickets at the gate are $8.

To get to Turner Stadium (1700 Wilson Road, Humble, TX 77338) take I-10 west to Beaumont. Take the College Street/Old Hwy 90 exit and make a right onto College Street. Follow through Dayton until you get to Beltway 8. Take Beltway 8 to the Wilson Road exit and make a right on Wilson. Follow Wilson Road to Turner Stadium, which will be on your left.

Come out and support the Mustangs!! You don’t have to wear blue and silver. We welcome purple and white, green and gold, red and white and any other school around not playing.

Photo: Taking the hand off on a short field, running back Grant LaPoint-Teate heads to the end zone. LaPoint-Teate had only two carries for 45 yards but found the end zone on one of those carries.