By Scott Nickerson
Elmore/Autauga News
Seven lead changes highlighted Friday night’s non-region home opener for the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs against Eufaula. The Mustangs had a chance to make it eight but couldn’t capitalize in the final half of the 4th quarter. Trailing 27-23 with a few minutes remaining, and the ball in Eufaula territory, a Mustangs’ screen pass came up inches short of picking up a first down. The Stanhope Elmore defense held Eufaula, but the Mustangs fumbled the punt. Eufaula recovered with under 2 minutes left in the game and the Tigers were able to run out the clock. It was the third lost fumble of the night for the Mustangs. The previous two both led to Eufaula touchdowns.
Stanhope Elmore High got on the scoreboard early in the 2nd quarter when Donnie Arnold blocked a Eufaula punt and the ball went through the back of the end zone for a safety to give the Mustangs a 2-0 lead.
The Mustangs looked set to add to their lead but lost the first of three fumbles at the Tigers’ 18-yard line. Eufaula took advantage, with the big play of the drive coming from a 36-yard reception in which the receiver bobbled the ball a couple times before coming down with it and advancing to the Mustangs’ 1-yard line. The Tigers scored on the next play but failed to convert a two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score 6-2.
Stanhope Elmore answered on the next drive. Quarterback Jacob Bryant completed a 39-yard pass to receiver Jamari Coleman and AJ McQueen scored afterwards to put the Mustangs ahead 9-6 with less than 3 minutes before halftime. It was enough time for the Tigers. Eufaula quarterback Browing Anderson had a 43-yard rush and followed it up with an 8-yard touchdown pass. Eufaula led at the break 13-9.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Bryant completed a 30-yard pass to Mustangs tight end Jacob Tharpe. A few plays later, McQueen had a 21-yard rush, but fumbled the ball inside the Eufaula 5-yard line. However, he was able to recover his own fumble to put his team back ahead, 16-13.
The Mustang defense held Eufaula and got the ball back but lost a fumble on their own 31-yard line. The Tigers scored on the very next play, to move ahead 20-16 with 16 seconds left in the 3rd quarter.
On the last play of the 3rd quarter, McQueen broke free for an 84-yard touchdown run. The Mustangs led 23-20 heading into the 4th quarter.
The Tigers scored the final points of the night with 8 minutes left in the game to take a 27-23 lead, prior to the Mustangs’ stalled drive in Eufaula territory and the muffed punt to close out the game.
For the Mustangs, Bryant completed 9 passes for 121 yards. McQueen rushed for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Donnie Arnold had 5 tackles for loss to lead the Mustangs defense. Kicker Colby Beyer had three punts inside the 15-yard line in the 1st quarter. He also converted all three extra point attempts and is 9-9 this season.
The Mustangs are 1-1 this season. Their next four games are all on the road. Class 6A Region 2 play starts next week as Stanhope Elmore travels to Russell County. The Warriors lost their opening game of the season against Harris County (Georgia) and had a bye in Week 2.
