The 2011 Mustangs squad showed improvement in their week 5 clash against a more experienced and numerically superior UTS team. With numerous starters out due to injuries or prior commitments several Mustangs would have to play all 3 phases of the game this resulted in a very tired squad however that did not show at all on the field with the team pulling together to play with intensity and aggression for a full 60 minutes.
The game started promising for the Mustangs, after electing to receive the football the opening drive moved along steadily on a combination of runs and short passes however would ultimately stall after some issues with long-snaps and a false start penalty, new WR #24 Wayne Peoples would like up as punter and boom a kick down-field and out of the end-zone for a solid start to the game.
UTS would take the ball on their 20 and methodically march the ball down-field and in for the first score on the back of their running back #9 Jean Prill. The extra point however would be denied by a block from Mustangs rookie #48 Lewis Hardaker. Leaving the score at 6 – 0.
The ensuing kick return yielded great field position for the Mustangs after RB #20 Scott Kirkwood took the ball deep back into UTS territory, however once again a promising drive was cut short after a high snap sailed over the top of the Quarterbacks head and resulted in a 20 yard loss. The drive was revived with some solid running however would ultimately end in an interception which upon review of the game film was unlucky not to draw a defensive pass interference penalty.
The next possession UTS would again rely heavily on their run game to drive the ball downfield. The Mustangs defence showed flashes of brilliance stopping the UTS runningbacks in the backfield on numerous occasions however were not able to do so on a consistent basis which ultimately allowed the Gators to score on a fullback Dive and easily convert the 2 points on another run by #9 Jean Prill. Score 14 – 0
Unfortunately nature would swing against the Mustangs with lightning forcing an early half-time shortly after the kickoff, taking the ball out of the Wollongong teams hands and into the hands of the UTS Gators.
The first three possessions of the second half would become a defensive back and forth with the Mustangs D finding the consistency they had previously lacked forcing 2 punts in a row. After their second possession of the half the Mustangs offence took the field with confidence that their newly established run game would get the job done if they could just eliminate mistakes. Their patience would be rewarded with an 8 play drive resulting in a touchdown to rookie RB #35 Pete Traynor. The extra point would be denied by the Gators leaving the score at 14 – 6.
The defence again showed flashes of brilliance however was taken advantage of by the same UTS pass play multiple times when they needed it most. the 14 play UTS drive would end with another score from #9 Jean Prill on a swing pass from QB #7 Simon Irrgang. A 2 point conversion run by #9 Jean Prill would make the score 22-6.
The Mustangs offence would rely heavily on the run game again in the next possession making good yard but would ultimately be forced to punt. UTS would do a good job at grinding out the clock trying to leave as little time as possible on the board for the Mustangs to get back in the game with a ground based drive consisting of 14 plays culminating in another score to UTS this time off a QB keeper by #7 Simon Irrgang. the 2 point conversion was stuffed in the backfield leaving the score at 28 – 6.
The Mustangs would receive the ball on their own 20 with 1:30 left and end the game in style. Two plays into the drive the UTS defence surrendered the left half of the field and QB #4 Mitch Hunt took off on a 30 yard scramble out of bounds stopping the clock. The following posession Mitch would connect with WR 24 Wayne Peoples for a 40 yard touchdown pass. The conversion attempt would be tipped away and the defence would hold strong on the following posession leaving the final score at 28 – 6.
Key positives to take out of the game was the vast improvement of the offensive line both on pass protection and run blocking as well as the further development of the young defence.
Game honourable mentions; Pete Traynor & Wayne Peoples on Offence for their first touchdowns of the season as well as Jordy Stalker who had a menacing game at left tackle. On Defence Michael Goor, Tom Vatovec and Lewis Harkaker who made some great tackles for losses in addition to the PAT block by Lewis and Seb Pennisi who all played great all round defensive game.
Follow Us!