Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs hosted Smiths Station Friday night for their 2025 Homecoming game. The Panthers had no answer for Mustangs’ running back Dee Barnes. The senior rushed for 260 yards and scored 5 touchdowns as the Mustangs defeated Smiths Station 35-21. It was the third consecutive victory for the Mustangs at 17 Springs Stadium.
“Huge win,” said Stanhope Elmore Football Coach Hunter Adams. “This team overcame injuries, homecoming distractions, and a motivated and battle-tested opponent! Super proud of these guys!”
The Mustangs had a field goal attempt blocked on their first possession of the game, but they were able to move the ball down the field, and Barnes scored his first touchdown of the night with just 1 second left in the 1st quarter.
On the next Smiths Station possession, SE defender Jacob Tharpe had a 10-yard tackle for loss to force a punt. SE quarterback Deondre Washington, filling in for an injured Davis Foshee, had a 27-yard run down to the Panthers’ 1-yard line. Barnes rushed the ball in the next play to put the Mustangs up by two scores.
Smiths Station fought back. They had a 40-yard touchdown run with four minutes left in the first half. The Panthers received the 2nd half kickoff and took it down the field and scored, tying the game at 14.
Late in the 3rd quarter, the Mustangs faced a 4th and 2 from the Smiths Station 12-yard line, when Barnes busted through the line for his third touchdown of the night. In the 4th quarter, Barnes had a 49-yard touchdown rush and another 14-yard score to put the Mustangs ahead 35-14. The Panthers added a late touchdown to complete the scoring.
For the Mustangs, Washington rushed for 94 yards, and Barnes rushed for 260 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Halfway through the regular season, Barnes has rushed for 909 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is 10 touchdowns away from tying the Stanhope Elmore regular-season record.
The Mustangs are 4-1 at the midway point, but their biggest games are still ahead of them, and they are on the road. The Mustangs have region road games at Russell County, Pike Road, and Wetumpka. Their lone remaining home region game will come against Rehobeth, and they will conclude the regular season at home against Calera.
Next week the Mustangs travel to Russell County. The Warriors are 6-0 on the season and were ranked #9 in the latest Class 5A poll.
