The Mustang football team is sporting a 5-2 record overall and a 4-1 record in conference play heading into their final three regular season games.
Following a hard-fought loss to Delaware Valley University on Sept. 29, a new quarterback took over for the Mustangs due to a season-ending injury to senior starter Dan Williams. Sophomore Ty Crabb would go on to make his first collegiate start as quarterback the next week against Lebanon Valley University.
After their win against Lebanon Valley 36-7, wide receivers coach Jake Spalik explained how the coaching staff believed this was a good team win. The team spread the wealth around on offense and got better in all three phases, said Spalik. The Mustangs’ offense was able to establish an even attack through the air as well as on the ground, with 199 yards passed and 198 yards rushed.
Spalik said there had not been a difference in preparation because of the quarterback change. While Crabb and Williams have different skill sets, said Spalik, the team has always had a “next-man-up mentality.” Crabb also said that football is a team game and that the team has rallied together with the change of personnel at quarterback, calling the team a brotherhood.
The Mustangs also traveled to Widener University to take on the Pride in an in-conference bout on Oct. 13. Before the game, Spalik said the Mustangs had prepared for a loud environment, as it was Widener’s Homecoming and they expected a big crowd. “We tell the players to never get too high or too low and to always remain calm in any environment,” said Spalik.
Stevenson came away with a 20-6 conference road win over the Pride, doing most of their damage on the ground as they rushed for 195 yards and threw for 53. The Mustangs’ defense was crucial, forcing two turnovers by way of interceptions while also not giving up a touchdown.
Despite two losses to nationally ranked teams (Frostburg State University, #6; Delaware Valley, #1), Crabb said the Mustangs are still focused on trying to win the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) by winning the remainder of their games, adding that the team remains focused on each contest. This mindset comes from the top as Spalik explained how the coaching staff instills a day-by-day mindset with the players to keep them focused. Spalik noted that the Mustangs play in one of the tougher conferences, and cannot overlook any team.
Stevenson will be back at Mustang Stadium against Wilkes University (4-3) on Oct. 20 for Homecoming as they try to improve to 6-2 on the season. Following that, they will travel to Lycoming University (3-3) and then return home for their final home game against FDU-Florham (4-2).
