By Scott Nickerson
Elmore/Autauga News
Trailing 20-6 in a Class 6A Region 2 contest against Carver, the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs had the ball inside the Wolverines’ 10-yard line on two separate occasions in the 4th quarter. The Mustangs failed to score both times. That proved the difference in the game, as Carver won by two touchdowns.
The Mustangs got the first points of the night in the 1st quarter with a 25-yard field goal set up by a 24-yard rush by Arthur McQueen on a 3rd and 11. The Mustangs got the ball back early in the 2nd quarter still up 3-0, and moved into Carver territory, but turned the ball over with a fumble. The Wolverines took advantage of the mistake and methodically marched the ball down the field, scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 6-yard pass. The extra point was missed, and the Wolverine lead was 6-3.
Carver got the ball back a few minutes later, and this time scored on explosive plays. A 22-yard pass was followed up the next play with a 32-yard touchdown pass.
Trailing 12-3 late in the 1st half, the Mustangs’ defense forced a Carver punt deep in their own territory. Stanhope Elmore went for a punt block, and came close, but was ultimately flagged for a roughing the kicker penalty. They were unable to get the ball back before the break and went into the half down 12-3.
The Mustangs got the ball to start the 2nd half. Quarterback Jacob Bryant connected with Jamari Coleman on a pass, and the wide receiver had an impressive run after catch for a 40-yard reception. Stanhope Elmore was unable to put the ball in the end zone and had to settle for a 37-yard field goal by kicker Colby Beyer. The kick would have easily been good from a much further distance.
Leading just 12-6, the Wolverines put together an impressive response, ending with a 10-yard touchdown pass. The 2-point conversion was successful, and the Carver lead was 20-6 heading into the 4th quarter.
Early in the 4th quarter, the Mustangs faced a 4th and 1 inside the Carver 5-yard line. Bryant attempted a quarterback sneak, but the Wolverines’ stout defensive line stopped the rush short of the 1st down.
The Mustangs’ defense forced a turnover and got the ball back to the offense with under 4 minutes remaining. They moved the ball down the field again and got into Carver’s 10-yard line, but a lost fumble once again stopped the Mustangs, and the Wolverines were able to run out the clock.
Bryant passed for 145 yards for the game, and McQueen rushed for 83 yards. Beyer made two field goals of 25 and 37 yards and had a punt inside the 5-yard line. For the year, Beyer is 3-3 on field goals, and 12-12 on extra points.
The Mustangs’ record is 2-2, and 1-1 in Class 6A Region 2. Next week, Stanhope Elmore will travel to Prattville to take on the Class 7A Lions. Prattville is 1-3 this season.
