The Mustangs traveled to Dallas, Pennsylvania to face the Misericordia University Cougars in a MAC matchup.
The Stevenson offense was on fire, going 12 of 14 on third down conversions. On top of that, they put up 528 yards of total offense. Six different players would go on to score for the Mustangs in this blowout victory.
The Mustangs struck first as they worked on a 72-yard drive. Short passes from fourth year quarterback Nyaire Wilson and runs from third-year and first-year running backs Kirk Reed and Elijah Williams set up the Mustangs for their first points. Reed had an eight-yard and seven-yard gain before he bulldozed his way into the endzone on a two-yard carry to put the Mustangs up 7-0.
The Cougars answered with a touchdown of their own on a three-yard run from second-year running back Logan Tierney, making it 7-7.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs would put up three more touchdowns. The first was set by a 29-yard pass from Wilson to second year wide receiver Deion Richardson, who was pushed out of bounds at the Cougar 10 yard line. Wilson followed that up with an 8-yard touchdown pass to second year wide receiver Ryan McClain.
The Mustangs started their next drive on their own 44 yard line, where they marched down field and capped the drive off with another touchdown pass from Wilson, this one being 17- yards to Reed. This increased the score to 21-7 with 1:47 left in the half.
“Good blocking at all levels definitely makes my job easier as a running back but being mentally prepared the entire week and going 12/14 on third down helps,” Reed said.
The Mustang defense came up big for them as the Cougars were looking to score before the half. Second year defensive back Samuel John Jr. forced the fumble and recovered at their own 32-yard line. On the ensuing drive, Wilson and McClain connected for a 45-yard pass then Wilson capped it off with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Richardson before time expired. Stevenson went into the half up 28-0.
“Everyone else dominating their jobs opened me up, the offensive line dominating up front, running backs were having a day, receiver routes were great, and Nyaire is Nyaire, best in the business,” Richardson said.
Early in the third quarter, Reed broke off a 39-yard run putting the Mustangs at the Cougar 28 yard line. Reed went on to finish the drive with his second rushing touchdown of the day, this time from five-yards, putting Stevenson up 35-10.
The Cougars showed some life though as they answered back with a touchdown of their own: a 22-yard touchdown pass to first-year wide receiver Alston Jordan making it 35-17.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs kept their foot on the gas and scored again. Wilson thew a pass over the middle to Richardson, who was tackled at the Cougar 12-yard line. This set up Wilson for another touchdown pass, this time to second year wide receiver Dillon Johnson for 12-yards, extending the lead 42-17.
The Mustang defense once again made a big stop. Fourth-year linebacker Anthony Russo forced the fumble and scooped it up for 32-yards, getting tackled at the Cougar 23 yard line. Russo set up another touchdown for the Mustangs. Williams ran the ball up the middle for the seven-yard score extending the lead 49-17.
To add more salt in the wound, the Cougars were looking to score before the game ended until first-year quarterback Ronnie Borden’s pass was intercepted by first-year defensive back Daryus Henderson returning it 50 yards for the final points of the game, 56-17.
“The win felt great. It feels good to be back in the W column but our plans in the way we prepare will not change going into next week,” Wilson said.
The offense was on fire in the game, going 12 of 14 on third down conversions and tallying up 528 yards of total offense. Wilson did well managing the offense, going 20/37, throwing for 284 yards and four touchdowns along with an interception. Reed led the ground game, averaging 5.2 yards per carry with 28 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns, also adding one reception for a 17-yard touchdown. Richardson led the Mustangs through the air, hauling in 7 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown. McClain was right behind him bringing in four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive captain, fourth-year linebacker Gavin Shields led the team in tackles with six, he also added three tackles for loss and a sack on the day. Russo was second with five total tackles and recorded a forced fumble. Henderson recorded three total tackles and an interception he returned for a 50-yard touchdown.
The Mustangs will travel to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Saturday, November 16 at 12 pm. to face Kings College in their final regular season game of the year.
