The North Moore Mustangs jumped to number three in the North Carolina 1A after beating West Columbus Vikings Friday.
Mustang players run out to the field before the game on Sept. 9.
As rankings are the talk around town, rankings are not on the team’s mind.
“It’s way too early to be thinking about that,” said North Moore High School Coach Andrew Carrouth. “We knew we were going to get tested in this ball game. They were a 2-0 team with a ton of really good athletes. We knew it was going to be a challenge for us right there. We wanted to see if we could meet that challenge, and I felt like our kids did tonight. As far as looking ahead, the only thing we’re concerned with right now is BY (Bartlett Yancey). We get a bye week next week and then rolling into BY the following week.”
After the Mustangs’ offense ran most of the first quarter time off the clock, they would go up 7-0. The Vikings’ run game looked like it would be too much for the Mustangs’ defense after they gave up a quick touch down. The special teams blocked the field goal.
The Mustangs’ defense made the changes they needed to stop the run game. The Vikings opted for more of a passing game, but the Mustangs grabbed three interceptions.
“This showed how tough our kids are,” said Carrouth. “We gave up the first one really easy. The kid can go. He is so fast. We knew this watching film. We were kind of out of place during the first drive. We settled down, and after that, we gained tackles tonight. We were in the right spots, with three more interceptions tonight. Outstanding job by the defense.”
The game went to half time with Mustangs, 14, and Vikings, 6. But late in the third quarter, the Mustangs’ offense turned up the heat scoring two more touchdowns.
They won 28-6. Early Saturday morning polls have the Mustangs ranked third in the North Carolina 1A. They will have a bye week next week and then begin conference play ranked first when they travel to Bartlett Yancey on the Sept. 23.
North Moore High School band performs before the varsity football game on Sept. 9.
Feature photo: North Moore Mustangs plays the West Columbus Vikings on Sept. 9.
~Article, photos, and video by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Curtis Self.
