[Photo Senior Abram Ellis(#1) is tackled after a strong run. (Photo by Arlo Firestone)]

The Mustangs fell to the Millbrook Pioneers 29-6 on Friday, Sep 18, dropping their record to 2-2 on the still-young campaign. Despite what the box score may indicate, the Mustangs have plenty of positives to take away from this game.

Both teams held each other scoreless for the first quarter. Millbrook struck first early in the second, scoring on a big play that started to become a theme in the game. After missing the extra point, they managed to get the ball back and hit a long field goal to go up 9-0. A failed fake punt attempt by Meridian aided in Millbrook’s scoring barrage, and by halftime, the Pioneers had extended their lead all the way to 19-0.

The second half was not much kinder to the Mustangs, as the Pioneers scored another ten points. Before the clock hit zeroes the Mustangs were able to put together a solid drive to make the final score look more respectable, ending the game with a touchdown by senior running back Abram Ellis.

Head coach PJ Anderson was quick to pin the blame on himself for the team’s difficult outing.

“I put the offense in some terrible positions tonight, and I put the defense in some even worse positions. That fake punt call, there was a fourth down early in the second half that I went for and we got stuffed on, so there’s a lot we can do to improve, and that starts with me. We will make the necessary adjustments and improvements this weekend to bring into practice next week,” coach Anderson remarked.

Coach Anderson also expressed his pride in the effort his team showed throughout the game.

“Our effort was phenomenal all week and today, and it was one of the better weeks of practice we’ve had. That’s what makes [this loss] tough, because the kids had such a great week of practice, and to have this result, it’s disheartening,” coach Anderson said.

One of the biggest positives for the Mustangs was their strength in the trenches. Despite their struggles through the air, the Mustangs’ rushing game was once again a bright spot.

“The rushing attack has come a long way [since Kettle Run]. We’ve made some changes, moving [seniors] Sebastian Roncoroni, Jetson Fitzpatrick, and Keaton Grace to the offensive line. If they’re not our three best football players, they’re three of our best four. They all could play in college if they want to. They’ve been selfless, and they’re going to continue to propel the success we’ve had up front. That was a change we made last week [for Annandale] and it paid dividends. This week, I’m sure the rushing attack had over 100 yards, maybe over 150. It’s because of those guys and our really good stable of running backs,” coach Anderson said.

Meridian’s rushing attack has indeed been stellar this season. Led by the aforementioned seniors on the offensive line, as well as the Mustangs’ deep pool of talented backs, the team has mustered impressive performances on the ground in almost every single game of the season so far, save their loss to Kettle Run.

“Meridian football is throwing the ball six to seven times a game, and we have six or seven completions for 125 yards, and it keeps the defense off balance. We have to get back to that and stop chasing the home run, and that’s on me,” coach Anderson explained.

The Mustangs will look to bounce back from their loss next week, when they go on the road to face the Fauquier Falcons on Friday, Sep 25.