Mustangs clash with Harlem Tonight at Mustang Field; defeat Wolf Point 48-7

The 5-1 Malta Mustangs have now won their second district game after defeating the now 2-5 Wolf Point Wolves. The team will face the 1-5 Harlem Wildcats tonight at Mustang Field.

The Harlem Wildcats’ lone win came against Poplar, when the team defeated the Indians 30-0 on October 2. Their last game was a 35-0 loss to the Glasgow Scotties, who Malta will face on October 24.

“Harlem runs a lot of spread sets with four wide receivers,” Mustang Head Coach Nick Oxarart said. “They run some zone read running plays with their running back and quarterback. They have some size up front and get off the ball real quick."

As aggressive as their offense is, their defense can also be threatening.

“They run a 3-5-3 defense and play very aggressive with their linebackers,” Coach Oxarart said.

The game tonight will be important to Harlem as the team looks to improve on their conference wins but equally important to the Mustangs as they host Little Mustang Day and celebrate their seniors for Senior Night.

“We have 12 seniors that have been a real fun group to coach,” Coach Oxarart said. “They have a lot of personality and play real hard for each other and enjoy each other’s success. I couldn’t ask for a better group to be around.”

The night also marks the last regular season home game for the senior class.

“I can’t believe it will be the last time these 12 will play under the lights at Mustang Field,” Coach Oxarart said. “They do a great job leading this team and are the reason for our success this year.”

In Malta’s win last Friday night, Jase Galt led the team, passing for three touchdowns and was 11 for 15 with 193 yards. Keenan Schipman had one passing attempt for 15 yards. The Mustangs offense had a total of 367 yards and picked up 19 first downs.

“Jase Galt made some nice throws and Tyson Carney and Ostin Welch made a few nice catches and runs,” Coach Oxarart said. “They were able to open up our run game for our offensive line and Allen was able to get a few holes and made some nice runs and get a couple of scores.”

Allen Williamson had two rushing touchdowns on 15 attempts that totaled 98 yards. Williamson would also score another touchdown on a 84 yard punt return in the Third Quarter.

Trace Simonson had seven rushing attempts for 36 yards and a touchdown. Andres Lopez had eight rushing attempts for 16 yards. Galt had two rushing attempts for eight yards. Ostin Welch had one rushing attempt for two yards.

Tyson Carney had five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown. Welch had three receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. Simonson had two catches for 27 yards and a touchdown. Williamson had one catch for 19 yards. Walker Perry had one reception for 15 yards.

Malta’s defense was as stout as it has been in recent games only giving up one touchdown in the first quarter.

“We came out very aggressive and were able to get a couple of three-and-outs on defense,” Coach Oxarart said. “They didn’t get a first down until the second half.”

The defensive phase forced three turnovers. Both Welch and Perry recorded interceptions in the win.

Jordan Pierce had a solid game recorded three sacks in the win.

“Jordan has been relentless on defense and is a big reason for our success,” Coach Oxarart said. “He has been doing a great job getting to the quarterback.”

Malta only allowed four first downs.

Malta’s offense had a few flaws, turning over the ball four times on one interception and three fumbles lost.

“We were trying to do a few things too fast and were forcing things and the turnovers were a result of that,” Coach Oxarart said. “I told our guys we just have to keep playing hard, relax and have fun and good things will happen. Our guys did just that and we got the momentum back on our side and good things did happen.”