Malta Mustangs win 2015 Battle of the Bands; Look to face Roundup Friday

In the Malta Mustang's home opener, it was supposed to be a clash of Mustangs as the team took on the Shepherd Mustangs last Friday in the team's Homecoming game. What really happened was a Shepherd beat-down as Malta won the game 28-0.

The team was led by a stout running effort, compliments of senior tailback Allen Williamson who broke away for two touchdowns and 176 yards on 22 carries.

"Our offensive line just made perfect holes," Williamson told the PCN. "The full-back did work inside. Antonio (Lopez) was amazing. The whole line did good. The blocking was good."

Williamson's first score came on a 22 yard run in the first quarter. His second was an 82 yard run in the third quarter, a play in which the offensive line made a hole big enough for a jet plane.

Williamson also continued to show that he could break tackles as he did against Huntley in the season opener and though he has a smaller frame, he resembled NFL running back Marshawn Lynch. His true inspiration wasn't "Beast Mode," but he did share his inspiration.

"God," Williamson said. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," he continued quoting Philippians 4:13.

Senior quarterback Jase Galt started off the game with a hot hand catching Tyson Carney on a short throw that went for a 57 yard touchdown. It was the team's first score of the game.

"It was a slant route to Tyson and it worked out perfect," Galt said.

Galt had another huge highlight during the game, but not in his primary position, but as a cornerback.

"They kept running bubble routes and winging it out to the outside receiver, so I thought I'd jump it once and I ended up tipping it into my own hands and just booked it through to the end zone," Galt said. "I didn't see anyone, I just saw open field and kept running as fast as I could."

Galt hasn't thrown an interception in his first two games this year, but he recalled throwing a pick six earlier in his career as a sophomore.

"That is not fun," Galt said.

On the other hand, Galt shared his feelings on the biggest defensive play of his career.

"It felt good," Galt said. "I was trying all I could not to spike the ball, I was so excited. I just had to get it to the ref."

The Malta defense allowed Shepherd to get into the red-zone a few times and the other Mustangs were as close to the two yard line. But Malta did not break, sending Shepherd away with no points.

One major reason for the strong defense was the play of senior linebacker Antonio Lopez, but he was not alone as the front seven came up big, attacking Shepherd's backfield often. He shared what goes through his head when he blitzes opposing teams.

"First of all, I like to just kind of watch to see how they are lined and once I get into the backfield, I like to break down and visualize where the ball is and once I find where the ball is, I just run as fast as I can to the guy who has it."

He then said he wraps up the ball carrier firmly and doesn't let go.

Every game has its meaning, but for Antonio, this game had a little more meaning.

"It means a lot to me," he said. "I knew we could do it. I believed in the team from the beginning. It means a lot to win our homecoming game. I'm just looking forward to winning the next game and the next game after that. We have a good team this year and I believe we have good potential to go far in the playoffs."

Lopez's brother, freshmen Andres also showed up big for Malta, resembling his older brother.

"He's starting to step up and play my position," Antonio said. "Not as good as me but he's got good potential as a freshmen. I believe he can be a good athlete."

Andres saw his first action on the varsity's defense that night and didn't disappoint, earning his first varsity sack.

"It just got me pumped," Andres said not that he was inspired by his big brother. "I just look up to him (Antonio) all the time."

The few other young defenders again showed that they could play on a varsity level. Another one of those young players was linebacker Trace Simonson who was all over the field at times. He shared reasons Malta's defense played so strong that night.

"They didn't get outside on us at all," Simonson said. "We didn't give up any big plays and our d-line really put pressure on them up front."

This weekend Malta will face the Roundup Panthers in Roundup, who Malta defeated twice last year. The first game Malta won 33-20 in the regular season. They face them again in the opening round of the playoffs and won 20-17.

Malta will likely expect to see a heavy dose of runs, as Roundup only passed against Malta a handful of times in both games, so Malta's front seven will be tested Friday in Roundup.