March 29, 2024

Mustangs end season on a high, down Saints

Eight seniors play final game for Murray

MURRAY — Murray’s eight healthy seniors had an opportunity for one last chance at success as a unit during Friday’s season finale against Mormon Trail.

The Mustangs eight players ended their careers on a definite high note. Murray jumped out to a 46-0 lead in the second quarter and cruised to a 60-18 win in Eight-player District 6.

“It was a big night for our seniors,” said Murray coach Taylor Fulton. “We started all eight of our healthy seniors on both sides.”

The Mustang seniors played with plenty of passion in their final home game.

“It was a high intensity,” Fulton said. “It was very emotional. It was fun to watch, fun to coach. I’m happy we got to be a part of it.”

For senior Josh Barber, the lone senior who could not play because of an injury, watching his teammates go out and be successful was meaningful.

“He’s a kid who would’ve been playing,” Fulton said. “It meant a lot for him to still see the team succeed and get the win.”

Senior running back Jack Jones had been limited by injury most of the season.

He ended his prep career on a high note rushing for 145 yards and three touchdowns.

“Jack Jones got to play a little running back for us for the first time in a few weeks,” Fulton said. “It was nice to have him back, get him on a roll.”

Jones opened the scoring with touchdown runs of 26, 21 and 42 yards as the Mustangs jumped out to a 24-0 lead.

“He had a big night,” Fulton said.

Zane Black put his name into the scoring column twice in the second quarter. He completed a 15-yard pass to Tyler McMillen for a touchdown, then later added a 29-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 40-0.

Black completed 6-of-7 passes for 51 yards and one score.

Dustin Teas also found his way into the scoring column on a 29-yard run late in the half for a 46-0 lead.

Teas rushed for 44 yards on three carries with the one score. Black had 52 yards on 12 carries. He completed 6-of-7 passes for 51 yards and one touchdown. Keller had two catcehs for 50 yards.

Mormon Trail found the end zone once in the first half and Murray led 46-6 at the break.

Murray’s defense also found ways to score, twice in the second half. Payton Flaherty had a 50-yard interception return for a score in the third quarter, while Josh Webb contributed with a 58-yard interception return for a score in the fourth quarter.

The Saints added a touchdown in the third quarter and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Murray moved several players around.

One that shifted positions was Gabe Gard, who played both safety and linebacker.

“We had quite a few kids step in and play some different positions,” Fulton said. “Gabe Gard played safety and linebacker. He did some things he was not accustomed to doing. He was able to take advantage of a few situations. It was nice to see him play strong defense.”

Both Flaherty and Webb will be back next season.

“Those are a couple younger guys we’re looking forward to next year,” Fulton said.

Defensively, Jimmy Cook had seven solo tackles, three assists and one fumble recovery. Flaherty had five solos, one assist and one interception. Quentin Siefkas had four solos, six assists and one and a half tackles for loss. Black had four solos, one assist and three tackles for loss. Jones had two solos and one tackle for loss. McMillen had two solos and one assist. Webb had one solo, one assist and one interception.

All of the healthy Mustang players saw the field.

“It was nice to et some experience and be successful,” Fulton said. “We’re very happy with Friday night.”

Season recap

Murray finishes the season 4-5 overall and 2-5 in Eight-player District 6.

The Mustangs big farewell to nine seniors: Barber, Jones, Bryce Keller, Gard, Dustin Teas, McMillen, Barber, Jones, Black, Quentin Siefkas and Dillion Hightshoe.

“We’ll really miss them,” Fulton said.

The Mustangs will have seven back, joined by a good number of incoming freshmen.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do this offseason to prepare for next year,” Fulton said.

This season taught the Mustangs to be ready for any situation.

“We have to be prepared from the first snap, come out and execute,” Fulton said. “Injuries happen. We ahve to be versatile and able to overcome and adapt when those things happen that you can’t control.”

Next season’s success will start in the offseason conditioning program.

“We need to get a good group in the weight room,” Fulton said. “We need to get all the kids in the weight room consistently. That’s where a small program or a large program can do is get kids in the weight room consistently. We want to build on that, see where our rebuilding years take us.”

Fulton was proud of the team’s progress this season.

“We improved,” Fulton said. “It was a great group of young men, to watch them grow and become successful over the season.”