As the Mustangs go into playoffs, they look back on a great season, going undefeated until their most recent game. Many seniors have risen to the challenge and led the team, as well as underclassmen taking on some varsity responsibilities. Now, the Mustangs have a fighting chance at winning it all as they head to the playoffs.

After a rickety start due to COVID delays, Needles made a statement in their first game against Laughlin. For the Mustangs, the energy felt on the field and in the bleachers felt totally different than in past years. The fans were waiting for their first game in, well, too long. This game was a great joint effort between the offense and defense. Needles had 3 scored touchdowns-On Defense! Nathan Chavez had 2 interceptions that he returned for a touchdown and Hunter Cameron scooped up a fumble for a return. The offense was no slouch, though. Collin Smith had a 45-yard throwing touchdown to Hunter Cameron. Parker Wagstaff and Wyatt Olderwurtel had a combined 6 touchdowns between them! These Senior leaders led the Mustangs to a 61-0 victory for the first game in an amazing football season.

Next, came Democracy Prep and another blowout win against Calvary Chapel. The Mustangs won the coin toss and chose to receive the kickoff. Needles stuck to a mostly run-based offense after Collin Smith threw 2 interceptions, one of which was run back for a touchdown. The biggest highlight of the game was the Mustang’s stellar defense. They did not allow a single point for the entirety of the game. After a slow first half, the Mustangs ended the game 42-7. 

Homecoming brought our rivals, the Lincoln County Lynx, to town and another hard-fought win to our season. Lake Mead proved another success for the Mustangs and head coach, Thomas DeLeon. The game opened with a return by Hunter Cameron, who also had a great touchdown reception later in the game. The Mustangs scored on an over-the-top pass from Collin Smith to Talon Paget. Over the course of the game, penalties hindered the Mustangs greatly. It seemed that for every 20+ yards run, there was a holding or clip call. Needles was up 6-14 at halftime and came out fighting. The Mustangs scored 20 unanswered points during the second half. These efforts were led by two Senior backs, Wyatt Olderwurtel and Parker Wagstaff. Blocking led by Seniors Bobby Bellhouse, Caesar Rabanales, and Trenton Henderson. 

Finally, a game riddled with mistakes resulted in a devastating loss to Meadows. And with another blow to the team, they were forced to forfeit their final league game against White Pine due to a broken-down bus. 

Now, as Needles heads into the playoffs as the second seed, the Mustangs will once again face Democracy Prep. Although we beat them back in week 3, it may be a more challenging game now that they have a fully healthy team, so it can be anyone’s game. The playoff game is right here in Needles, at 6:00 pm, on Friday, November 5th. Football tickets for Friday night’s game can be purchased at the gate. Prices are as follows: Adult and senior citizen tickets are $12, student tickets are $5 (bring your student ID), and children 8 years old and under are free. Come down to Brannigan Field and show your Mustang Pride for our team. Go Big Blue!