The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Chain Gang defense held Newton to 200 yards, most of those coming in the second half. RECORD PHOTO: Meri Elen Jacobs

Meri Elen Jacobs - For The record

Dairy Queen Game of the Week in Texas-West Orange-Stark v. Newton

Channel 12’s Game of the Week in Southeast Texas-West Orange-Stark v. Newton

That’s what happens when the top two teams with the most winningest record in the area face off against each other.

West Orange-Stark-48 Newton-6

And that’s what happens when WO-S has something to prove.

After losing to Newton last year, 19-7, and losing last week to Richmond Foster, 14-42, the Mustangs showed out and showed off for every fan in attendance, every newspaper in attendance and every news station in attendance. From the first snap to the last snap, the Mustangs dominated.

Jack Dallas and crew racked up 535 offensive yards with a balanced running and passing attack while the Chain Gang defense held the Eagles to 200 yards, all on the ground, and only 38 yards in the first half.

“We won the game, everyone got to play and everyone contributed in the win,” Head Coach Cornel Thompson said. “Unlike last week, we were mentally ready to play.”

Dazzling the crowd on the Mustangs first offensive play, Dallas hit Miller for a 72 yard touchdown.

“Jack (Dallas) threw well and KJ (Miller) had a great night, which was obvious from the first play from scrimmage,” Thompson said. “The offensive line did an admirable job against a stunning Newton defense.”

The Dallas to Miller combination worked again late in the third quarter when Miller hit paydirt again on another 72 yard Dallas pass.

While the Mustang offense worked their magic when they put their hands on the ball in the first half, the defense was busy forcing Newton to go three and out every possession. On the Mustangs third possession of the game, Malick Phillips hit the end zone from 5 yards out. Dallas, who was 6 of 7 PATs for the night, put the game at 14-0 to start the second quarter.

Malech Edwards, who had a great night running the ball with 16 carries for 168 yards, was the next one to score for WO-S, zipping through the Newton defense from 31 yards out to put six more on the board.

Dallas went to the air for the next six points, hitting a wide open Thomas Wallace for a 36 yard score. Rufus Joseph also scored for the Mustangs before the half on a 33 yard pass from Dallas. The Mustangs led, 34-0 at the half.

“We both have the same philosophy, playing tough non-district games to prepare us for later on,” Thompson said. “That bunch may not lose another game until deep in the play-offs.”

Newton scored in the fourth quarter after Jaron Hanks put the ball at the three on a 58 yard jaunt and capped it off for six on the next hand off from Eagle quarterback Brock Barbay. WO-S scored on their last drive of the game when backup quarterback Payton Robertson handed off to Jeremiah Shaw from 5 yards out.

“Everything we have been through has prepared us for down the road,” Thompson said. “We have seen the combinations of offenses and defenses that we will face and this just gets us ready physically.”

Liberty, who Thompson says is the most improved team in the district, is the Mustangs next opponent. The Panthers are 3-3 and the games that they have won, they have used a basic offensive set with two backs running the ball. JJ Arrington is the “speed guy” and Alex Brown the “power guy.”

“I’m concerned about our first district game because we have not played well on the road this year,” Thompson said. “They have six returners on offense and seven on defense and they have scored a bunch of points in the games that they have won.”

The Mustangs will play in Liberty Friday at 7:30. Tickets for district away games will ONLY be sold at the gate-adults are $4 and students $2. To get to the stadium in Liberty (1629 Grand Ave.), take I-10 West to Beaumont. Take exit 851 toward US-90/Liberty. Merge onto IH-10 access road and turn right onto US-90W/College Street. Follow US-90W for about 40 miles into Liberty. Turn right onto Main Street and turn left onto Grand Avenue.

The combined team of the freshmen and JV beat Newton in a hard fought game, 28-22. Lunden Touissant started the scoring with a 4 yard touchdown run. Chaka Watson ran in the two point conversion. Jamarcus Joulevette caught a 4 yard pass in the end zone after Jacory Brady forced a fumble that was recovered on the 9 yard line. Alex Williams had a 47 yard catch from Watson and also scored from 8 yards out up the middle. Watson scored the two point conversion. Andrew Hebert, who was playing his first game as a Mustang, recovered a Newton onside kick to seal the game for WO-S.

The ninth grade and JV teams will play at home Thursday beginning at 5 and will be wearing the new jerseys that support Breast Cancer Awareness.

This weeks theme is “PEACE OUT Panthers!” Everyone is encouraged to wear tie dye, peace signs and “Hippie style.”