Mustang Stampede

OVFL:  Defending league champions halt Cowboys in Home Opener

The London Mustangs took to the field this Saturday handing the Halton Cowboys an abysmal 42-7 defeat. All cylinders of the offense were clicking as they contributed for five offensive touchdowns.

Leading the charge was their powerful running game. The workload was shared by a number of ball carriers but making the biggest impact were Mitchell Smiley and Isaiah Mels. Smiley rushed for 45 yards and four first downs on seven carries tallying two touchdowns for his efforts. His counterpart Mels, ran for 77 yards with an impressive 46 yard carry while finding the end zone for a touchdown of his own.

Though the running game was responsible for the majority of the offense, quarterback Cam Geddes displayed a running game of his own rushing for two scores. With the running game accounting for five of the Mustangs touchdowns, the passing game was not nearly as successful. Going a combined 4 for 12 in the passing game between Geddes and backup Haylen Furgeson, this is an area that Coach Chris Bertoia says needs improvement.

“Our passing game was marginal and needs to improve,” said Bertoia.  “Overall, it was a good start offensively to the season.”

On the other end of the field the Mustangs defense stood tall. A balanced attack on all units of the defense prevented a struggling Cowboy’s offense from getting anything going.

The defensive line received big efforts from Garrett Hemming and Kevin Mackey who combined for a total of six tackles while Mackay had a sack of his own.

The linebacking core of Andrew Thurston, Mason Kett and Thomas Waight lived up to their potential accounting for 16 total tackles between the three of them, with Waight contributing with a sack.

Deep back Nicholas Hallett played a pivotal role in shutting down a stagnant Cowboys offense with four tackles of his own and the Mustangs only interception.

While first downs were far and few between for Halton, Bertoia expects his team to have a stronger finish when they play the Sabercats this week.

“We took a few penalties late in the game that were selfish and extended a few drives for Halton, we need to be more disciplined,” said Bertoia.

Even though the offense and defense played their parts coasting to victory, the Mustangs had a little help from their special teams; this is mostly in part to Mackenzie Furgeson. Furgeson had two deep returns combining for a total of 116 yards, including an 82 yard runback resulting in a touchdown on a kick return.

In light of their season opening win, Bertoia and the Mustangs understand that a win in this week’s game will not come so easily against Sault Ste. Marie.

“They have an outstanding offensive line and a very good QB in James Roberts,” said Bertoia.  “Cambridge played us the tightest last season, something that we have reflected on this week in film study.”

With both teams coming off opening week wins, the Mustangs hope to steal a win on the road. Though Bertoia believes his team has what it takes, he believes that a win lay in the hands of a team that give its best efforts all around.

“It is going to be highly competitive game and will come down to execution in all three facets of the game,” said Bertoia.

The Sault Ste. Marie Sabercats will host the London Mustangs this Saturday at TD Waterhouse Stadium at 1:15 PM.