With their playoff hopes all but out the window, the Manitou Springs football team is turning its focus to completing its regular season on a positive note.
The Mustangs put together a solid game plan that seemed to work early on Friday, but once La Junta jumped out to a lead, the Tigers rolled to a 42-6 win.
Utilizing a new double-wing formation on offense, the Mustangs (3-5 overall, 0-4 Tri-Peaks) were able to play a ball-control style of offense that kept the game scoreless through the first quarter. Seeing the success that the game plan had early, the Mustangs believe that same plan can be used to beat Lamar on Friday, Oct. 28.
“With what we’re moving to, it takes a lot of reps to get good at,” coach Stu Jeck said. “It takes time but I think the progress so far is what we’ve wanted to see. We’re feeling confident in it, I think it fits our team really well and I think what you’re seeing right now is the future of Manitou football.”
The Tigers scored twice in the second quarter to take a 14-0 lead at halftime, keeping the game very much in reach. But three La Junta touchdowns in the third quarter allowed the team to pull away.
The Mustangs’ lone touchdown came on a 25-yard run from running back Logan Moore. He led the rushing effort with 46 yards on 12 carries. Evan Scherr led the team in all-purpose yards; he went for 20 rushing yards and 68 receiving yards on the night, but was still slightly disappointed with the overall result.
“We can’t keep shooting ourselves in the foot,” Scherr said. “We have to keep it under control in the red zone and when we have a chance to score, we have to score.”
The shift now turns to Friday’s season finale against Lamar. The Mustangs beat the Thunder last year and know they have a chance to finish the season on a high note and truly set the standard for next year.
“It’s important for the younger guys to look at the end of the game, get a win and look forward to next season,” Scherr said. “I feel confident and good about it.”
Friday also will serve as senior night, when the Manitou football community will have a chance to honor Scherr, Tyler Maloney, Matthew Barton and Lucian Castilleja.
Kickoff against Lamar is at 7 p.m. as the Mustangs try to cap their regular season with their fourth win of the year.