The Mustangs slay Gladiators 63-13

The Madison Mustangs, in their final 2009 regular season game, defeated the Rock County Gladiators 63-13. The win secured the #1 over-all seed throughout the IFL playoffs.

The Mustangs D led off the game with a TFL (tackle-for-loss) by SS Scott Knipher and forced the first of many 3-and-outs. After a great punt return by Zak Gordon, the Mustangs O took over at the Glad’s 20 yard line; 2 running plays by HB Kyle Brodd and the Stangs were up 7-0. The Mustangs D held tough after allowing a couple first downs and go the ball back to the O, unfortunately, while driving deep in Glads territory the Mustangs O fumbled, giving the ball back to the Glads. The Stangs D then forced the Glads to turn the ball over on downs, giving the ball back to the O and ending the first quarter. Quickly into the second quarter QB Chris Davis, starting in place of David Pietrowiak, found big brother WR Reggie Davis for a 16 yard connection and a 14-0 lead. The next time the Stangs had the ball QB Chris Davis took it upon himself, keeping on an option play and scoring from 10 yards out, 21-0. The Mustangs D pinned the Glads deep in their territory and holding them to a 3-in-out. Punt Returner Mike Darden received the Glads punt and weaved his way through blocker and defenders for a 70 yard TD return, 28-0. The Gladiators immediately responded and 2 plays into their next drive QB Hammons rolled to his left and slung the ball 50+ to connect with HB Jerrod Cooper and a 56 yard TD, 28-7. The Mustangs O got the ball back and marched directly down the field capping the drive with an 8 yard pass from Davis to WR Zak Gordon, 35-7. Two Gladiator offensive plays later Stangs CB Jim Gordon picked of Hammons and returned it to the Glads 2 yard line. The next play HB Kyle Brodd plunged in for his second of the night, capping a 35 point quarter and a 42-7 halftime lead.

The second half started the same for the Mustangs as the first ended…scoring! After another fantastic special teams effort and return by Zak Gordon, new QB Jeremy Thorton took over in Gladiators territory on a mission to get his 1st TD of the season. 5 plays later, in which he ran every play, Thorton took the ball in from 2 yards out and a 48-7 lead. The Glads again responded, after being given new life twice with Mustang penalties on 3rd down, QB Hammons connected with WR Cody Martalock for 40 yards down to the Stangs 8 yard line. The very next play TE Nate Wallman took a direct snap and bull dozed his way into the end zone, the extra point kick was blocked, 48-13. The Mustangs finished off the game scoring with 2 one play drives; QB Jeremy Thorton connected on pass plays of 28 and 30 yards with WR Reggie Davis, 63-13.

The Mustangs Defense allowed points for the first time in 3 games but did turn the Gladiators over 5 times, held them to 12 yards rushing, and got the ball back to the O in great field position. The Mustangs O, despite having a season high 4 turnovers, still managed 353 yards of total offense while holding out multiple starters and averaging starting position at the Gladiators 40 yard line. The Mustangs take on the Fond du Lac Crusaders in the first round of the national conference playoffs Saturday August 22nd at Middleton High School; kickoff is at 7:00 pm.