By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
In the last two games against Wetumpka and Lanier, the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs’ offensive line has paved the way for junior running back Arthur McQueen to have a big night. The running back had rushed for 220 yards in back-to-back games, scoring five touchdowns over two weeks. The Pike Road defensive line, led by 6’4 275-pound defensive end Malik Blocton, an Auburn University commit, presented a much bigger, and tougher, challenge.
The Mustangs never got their rushing attack going against Pike Road. A week after McQueen had 24 rushes in the 1st half against Lanier, the running back only had 5 carries for 9 yards in the 1st half against the Patriots.
Faced with the fast and athletic Patriots’ defensive line, the Mustangs went away from the run and put the ball in the air 12 times in the 1st half. Stanhope Elmore quarterback Jacob Bryant was under constant pressure from the Pike Road pass rush, and managed just 34 yards passing. The Mustangs were unable to put together a scoring threat in the first two quarters.
Pike Road leaned heavily on a hurry up style rushing attack in the first half. Patriots’ sophomore running back Ja’Michel Jones had three touchdown rushes. Pike Road freshman quarterback Cason Myers also threw a 25-yard touchdown pass on 4th and 10, and the Patriots held a commanding halftime lead at 28-0.
The Patriots offense continued rolling in the 2nd half, with the freshman quarterback throwing another 2 touchdown passes, and the Patriots also scoring a rushing touchdown. The Mustangs were able to find more success through the air in the final two quarters. Bryant had a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jamari Coleman in the 3rd quarter. The quarterback had a 60-yard touchdown pass to Coleman in the 4th quarter, but the Patriots controlled from start to finish, and won the Region 2 contest 52-14.
Bryant had 171 yards passing and 2 touchdowns against the Patriots. He has thrown 7 touchdown passes this season. Wide receiver Jamari Coleman had 110 yards receiving against the Patriots, and 2 touchdown receptions.
The Patriots have won six games in a row and will play Carver next week in a matchup that will decide the Class 6A Area 2 champion. The Mustangs have lost five games in a row, and fall to 2-6. Their final two games of the season will be at Foshee-Henderson Stadium. Next week, the Mustangs will host the Park Crossing Thunderbirds for Homecoming. Their season finale will be the following Thursday night against Minor High School.
