By Andrew Johnson
LocalSportsJournal.com

EGELSTON TOWNSHIP – The Muskegon Mustangs are coming off a championship season – and may have an even better defense than last year.LSJ Logo incert

On Saturday night the Muskegon Mustangs defeated the Northern Michigan Wolves 44-0 at Oakridge High School – and limited the Wolves to a total of 16 yards of total offense in the process.

Fred Hin on the Mustang tackle. Photo/Leo Valdez

Fred Hin on the Mustang tackle. Photo/Leo Valdez

With the victory on Saturday and a 39-6 road victory over the Detroit Diesels last weekend, the Mustangs are now 3-0 on the season.

“We went over everything in practice this week and it showed on the field tonight,’ said Mustangs Coach Rob Brown. We’ve come a long way but have a way to go. Our defense plays well and we’re a veteran unit that trusts each other.”

The defensive dominance started from the beginning for the Mustangs, when Holsey James picked off a pass on the Wolves’ first drive of the game.

In total, the Mustangs held the Wolves to negative four yards and forced a total of three turnovers in the first half.

While the defense was the story for Muskegon, the offense wasn’t far behind, scoring on its first three possessions of the first quarter for a 20-0 lead.

Kavonte Keys on moves the ball for Muskegon. Photo/Leo Valdez

Kavonte Keys on moves the ball for Muskegon. Photo/Leo Valdez

Jamarcus Martin caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Aaron James, Eric James punched in a one-yard touchdown, and Rodney Anderson rushed in a 28-yard touchdown.

Muskegon took a 32-0 lead in the second quarter when backup quarterback Jemar Jackson threw touchdowns to Maurice Sherrill (29 yards) and Demonte Collins (five yards).

The final score of the first half came when Alexander Rutherford punched in a one-yard touchdown to give Muskegon a 38-0 lead.

Most of the Mustangs’ starters were out of the game by the end of the first half, due to the rout.

In the second half, Justin Burros scored the lone touchdown on a 3-yard run to give Muskegon a 44-0 lead.

The Mustang defense held the Wolves to a total of 20 yards in the second half in route to a non-competitive victory.

When asked about the lack of competition, and if the lack of playing time for starters could be an issue down the road, Brown wasn’t worried about his team.

“As we move forward our schedule becomes one of the toughest in the country” Brown said. “We play some serious competitors, not to say these teams aren’t, but we’ll have some equal competition coming up.”

Rolando Oakes applies pressure for the Mustangs. Photo/Leo Valdez

Rolando Oakes applies pressure for the Mustangs. Photo/Leo Valdez

Muskegons Jamaras Martin looks for the play. Photo/Leo Valdez

Muskegons Jamaras Martin looks for the play. Photo/Leo Valdez