Mustang fends off Edmond Memorial to secure spot in Class 6AI playoffs

Bryance Sanders rushes for 220 yards and 3 TDs in Broncos' victory

MUSTANG, OKLAHOMA - Midway through the season, Mustang was on life support. 

After losing four straight district games, they couldn’t afford to drop any more or their postseason hopes were evaporated. 

But heading into the final game of the regular season, all the Broncos needed to do was secure a victory and they would move on. However, their opponent, Edmond Memorial, was in a similar predicament.

With a playoff spot on the line, Mustang held off Memorial, 36-30, Friday night at Bronco Stadium to secure a spot in the Class 6AI playoffs.

Tailback Bryance Sanders paved the way for Mustang. The senior ran for 220 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries.

"The key was we just stayed to our game plan” Sanders said. “Great offensive line blocking tonight. Great defense, always getting to the ball, rallying and stopping their run or their pass.”

However, the Bulldogs had their chances.

With 5:06 left in the fourth quarter, quarterback David McComb connected with Ciaran Pedulla on a 42-yard touchdown pass to take a 30-28 lead. Neading to win by four points to make it to the playoffs, the Bulldogs decided to go for two.

McComb scrambled to the left and tried to stick the ball over the goal line before going out of bounds. However, he was ruled out and their lead stayed at two points.

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On Mustang’s ensuing possession, freshman Tyson Pogi hit Jaden Johnson for a 36-yard touchdown to retake the lead. Then after getting the ball back from Edmond, Sanders put the game away with a short touchdown run at the 2:56 mark.

McComb threw for 555 yards and four touchdowns on 37-of-55 passing. Pedulla was the main beneficiary with nine catches for 256 yards and two TDs.

Pogi completed 17-of-23 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson finished the night with seven catches for 174 yards and two scores.

The night started pretty much as expected for the high scoring teams. They both scored on their opening drives via the pass game. That included a 75-yard strike from Pogi to Johnson.

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The teams continued to go back and forth exchanging big plays on both sides of the ball. But McComb kept finding open receivers in the Broncos' defense as they jumped ahead, 21-14.

Edmond Memorial had a chance to really put pressure on Mustang late in the second quarter when the Bulldogs had the ball and were driving towards another touchdown that would have given them a 14-point lead.

However, the Broncos’ Charles Rangel-Lucio picked off McComb inside the Broncos' 20-yard line. On the very next play, Sanders broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run.

The Bulldogs were able to kick a field goal with 22 seconds left push their lead to 24-21 at halftime.

On the night, the two teams combined for 1,206 yards. Mustang was able to overcome 11 penalties for 105 yards.

Edmond Memorial ends its season, while Mustang moves on to face Westmoore in the first round of the playoffs.

“We didn't play perfect, but good enough,” Mustang coach Lee Blankenship said. “Our message is always to find a way.

"It’s not always going to be perfect, but never give up. Whatever it takes to find a way to win the game.” 

-- Michael Kinney | @SBLiveOK