For the second week in a row, the Mustangs defense posted a shutout as the second-ranked Morningside overpowered the Hastings Broncos in a 65-0 victory.

                 For the second week in a row, the Mustangs defense posted a shutout as the second-ranked Morningside overpowered the Hastings Broncos in a 65-0 victory.

                  Perhaps most telling of the performance from the Morningside defense was Hastings being held to just 98 yards during the game. Marcellus Gooden led in tackling for the Mustangs with six solo and one assist, followed by Deion Clayborne with four solo tackles.

                  The Mustangs offense also had a stellar day. After the defense intercepted the ball from the Broncos during their opening drive, quarterback Trent Solsma sailed a touchdown pass to Austin Johnson to put the Mustangs on the board. Minutes later, Solsma connected with current NAIA Offensive Player of the Week Connor Niles, widening the Mustangs lead to 14-0.  The final scoring drive of the first quarter would come from a hand off to Anthony Sims, making it 21-0 Mustangs..

                  The scoring blitz would continue in the second quarter with back-to-back touchdowns from Addison Ross. Arnijae Ponder – who had 24 rushes and 114 yards – also added a touchdown, and Connor Niles capped things off in the final seconds of the first half by catching a 10-yard throw from Solsma, making it 49-0. In all, the Mustang offense outgained the Broncos 488-20 in the first half.

                  Jared Myers struck first for the Mustangs in the second half, catching a 19-yard pass from Solsma. Kicker Jared Amundson – who remains perfect on both extra point and field goal kicks so far this season – also added a 25-yard field goal, and the final score of the game for the Mustangs came from a blocked punt by David Rios, who recovered it in the end zone to make it 65-0 in favor of the Mustangs.

                  Quarterback Trent Solsma threw 29/40 for 413 yards and six touchdowns on the day. Connor Niles had nine receptions, 137 yards, and two touchdowns. Addison Ross had four receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Ethan Stratman had 12 rushes for 94 yards, and sophomore Reid Jurgensmeier had eight receptions and 96 yards.

                  Overall, Morningside logged 415 yards of passing and 267 yards of rushing for a total offense of 682 yards.

                  The win marks the 27th straight GPAC victory for the Mustangs and brings their record to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The team next heads to Fremont, Neb., for a matchup against the Midland Warriors (4-1, 2-1) at 1 p.m. on Oct. 6.

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