Mustangs Fall short against Mavericks

North Shore QB Maciah Long breaks and evades numerous tackles en route to a potentially game winning touchdown. Final score, however, was 40-43 in favor of Manvel. (Photo courtesy Jonathan Frey, Galena Park ISD)
North Shore QB Maciah Long breaks and evades numerous tackles en route to a potentially game winning touchdown. Final score, however, was 40-43 in favor of Manvel. (Photo courtesy Jonathan Frey, Galena Park ISD)

By any standard, it was a good football game. In some high school football circles, it was the game of the week. The North Shore Mustangs, ranked number three in the area vs. the Manvel Mavericks, ranked number four. The Mustangs got off to a commanding start, forcing turnovers and a punt on the Mavericks first three possessions.

However, as both teams’ offenses got into a rhythm, the defenses had their hands full stopping the potent passing attacks of the opponent. The Mustangs led most of the game, but a fateful interception returned for a touchdown, putting the Mavericks ahead by seven.

The Mustangs had time on the clock and a Manvel defense that was growing more fatigued with each play.

QB Maciah Long, who ended the night with three passing and two rushing touchdowns, led the offense down the field quickly and into scoring position. On a passing play, with all receivers covered and pressure coming, Long broke away from tackles and powered into the end zone.

Instead of tying the game and going to overtime, Coach Kay, in his second year as the Mustang’s head coach, opted to go for two against the weary defense. It was certainly a gutsy call, yet most would not argue against it. However, as the play unfolded and pressure was building on Long, he threw an interception that was returned the distance for a score, adding two more points for the Mavs and giving them a three point lead… and the ball. Seeing victory in hand, the Mavericks ran out the clock and won the game 40-43.

As bitter as the loss was, there was no time to lament. In a short week, the Mustangs take on the Spring Westfield Mustangs at home on Thursday night.