MUS Sports News

Owls Repeat As State Champions

With their 27-17 victory over Montgomery Bell Academy in last-Thursday’s BlueCross Bowl in Cookeville, the MUS varsity football claimed their second-straight football state title, their fourth in the last six years, and their fifth overall as they team continued the program’s greatest run in school history.

Quarterback Barry Brunetti threw for two scores, and Christian Kauffman added two field goals as the Owls led throughout the game to hold off the Big Red.

MUS scored first on their second drive as Brunetti found WR Hank Hill in the endzone for the 19-yard scoring toss to culminate the 7-play, 80-yard drive that amassed 2:14. Hill’s acrobatic catch was his fifteenth touchdown reception of the season, besting his previous season mark, and his twenty-first in his career, tying him with John David Lawhorn on the career scoring list. Kauffman’s extra point gave MUS the early 7-0 lead with 6:44 left in the quarter.

The Owls looked to add to the lead following a second MBA missed field goal, this time from 53-yards out. However, the Big-Red defense held and forced a punt as the quarter expired.

MBA moved the ball well in the first quarter and hoped that they could keep up with the potent Owls’ offense by controlling the ball and keeping the Owl defenders on the field, yet MUS defense seemed to stiffen each time MBA got into scoring position. Early in the second quarter, the Big Red again was moving the ball on the ground, but when QB Aaron Simonis’ pass on third down fell incomplete at the MUS 26-yard line, kicker Andrew Fletcher came out to try his third field goal of the game. This time, the snap was bobbled and fumbled, and the Owls took over at their own 44-yard line with 11:21 left in the half.

And MUS took advantage of the miscue.

Going 5 for 6 passing on the drive, Brunetti led the team deep into MBA territory, but after a sack on third down, the Owls had to settle for field-goal attempt. The reliable Kauffman made the kick from 27-yards out to increase the lead to 10-0 with 7:48 left in the second quarter, a score that would hold until the half.

Though MUS held the lead at the break, the game was very even as the Big Red had success running the football on the usually-salty Owl defense. Their 154 total yards, including 123 on the ground, showed that they could score and would be a factor as the game proceeded.

MBA finally took advantage of their rushing success as they began the third quarter. 

Taking over at their own 37-yard line, they drove the ball deep into MUS territory, mainly with the running of back Fitz Lassing. The 6’3’’, 220-pound senior runningback averaged over 6-yards per carry in the first half and continued to move the ball in the third quarter.

However, just as they had done in the first half, once the Big Red got close, the Owl defense held, yet this time Fletcher’s field-goal attempt was good as he connected from 29-yards out to cut the advantage to 10-3 with 5:44 left in the quarter.

But MUS answered the score.

The Owls needed eight plays to travel 80 yards as Keith McBride went in from 7-yards out for the score. MUS had four plays on the drive over 11 yards, including a 26-yard pass from Brunetti to Matt Williams. Kauffman’s PAT gave the Owls the 17-3 lead with 3:31 remaining in the third.

But the Big Red stayed close.

Behind Lassing runs and Simonis passes, MBA moved the ball again, but this time, they took advantage as Lassing went in from 9-yards out for the touchdown. Fletcher’s extra point ended the 12-play, 57-yard drive that took up 4:05 as MBA pulled within 17-10 early in the fourth quarter.

Yet just as MBA players and fans started to believe that they could pull off the upset after their score, one McBride run countered the momentum and re-established control for the defending champs.

Taking over at their own 20-yard line and with MBA players exhorting their fans on the cold evening, McBride took a handoff on the first play and rumbled 39 yards into MBA territory. The run not only silenced the Big-Red cheers, but also calmed the Owls as they went in to score just 5 plays later. Bryan Crenshaw’s 6-yard reception off a Brunetti jump-pass gave the Owls back the two-touchdown advantage with 8:57 left in the game.

MUS sealed the victory with 2:37 left in the game as they took advantage of a muffed MBA punt. Driving deep into Big Red territory, the Owls had to settle for the short field goal, and Kauffman’s 20-yarder was true as MUS built the 17-point advantage.

MBA did not give up as they scored one final time with just 26 seconds remaining as Lassing went in on a 3-yard run, but they could get no closer as the Owl fans and players celebrated.

Brunetti, who went 21-27 passing for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns, was named the Offensive MVP, and Harrison Martin, who lead the team in tackles this season and had another outstanding game, was awarded the Defensive MVP honor.

McBride also played well on the cold night as he gained 141 yards rushing on 18 carries and had 27 receiving yards on 4 catches.

Hill once again led the receiving corps as he hauled in 6 balls for 76 yards and a score. He set two records on the evening as he re-established his own season scoring mark for receptions and tied the career scoring record.

Though they were not overly impressive and did not overwhelm MBA, the Owls won as they have all season: they played fundamental football and did not make critical mistakes. They finish the season with only 8 turnovers, a remarkable number, and had none this evening. They had only 4 penalties in this game and played well on special teams. As they have all season, the win was a team effort.

MUS finishes the season at 13-0, winners of 26 straight, and finish as the top-ranked team in the area by the Commercial Appeal and in the top-10 in several national polls. Congratulations to the Owls on the fabulous year.  

Brunetti Wins Mr. Football

In a ceremony held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro at noon November 30, the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football awards were handed out, and MUS was well represented. 

Senior quarterback Barry Brunetti was named the Division II-AA Back of the Year as he was chosen over the running back from Baylor and the running back from Ensworth.

Senior linebacker Harrison Martin also was a finalist for his position, the Division II-AA Lineman of the Year, and though he did not win the award as CBHS' Jonathan Brown received the honor, Martin still has had a fine season leading the Owls' defense.

And for Kicker of the Year, encompassing all classifications, senior Christian Kauffman, who has missed only one field goal and one extra point all season, was honored as a finalist. Though the kicker from Father Ryan won the award, Kauffman has had one of the best season in MUS history and has played an essential role in the success of this season.

Brunetti is only the fourth Owl to win the Mr. Football award, joining Marc MacMillan (1991), Richard Moore (1997), and John Stokes (2006) as winners.

Congratulations to these three student-athletes, as well as their coaches and teammates, for this outstanding recognition.

MUS Overcomes Mistakes, Advance To Cookeville

On to Cookeville.

With their 23-15 victory over Father Ryan in the semifinals of the Division II-AA semifinals last Friday night, the MUS varsity football team advanced to the BlueCross Bowl, the state-title game, to be played December 3 in Cookeville, Tennessee.

But the Irish made the Owls’ journey there difficult as they took advantage of MUS miscues much of the night and stayed close throughout.

Father Ryan began the game accomplishing something no team has accomplished this year against the Owls: intercepting a Barry-Brunetti pass.

On the first play of the game, Tyler Kincaid picked off the senior quarterback’s pass to Hank Hill, and the Irish took over from their own 35-yard line.

However, they were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt.

MUS scored first after their initial turnover as on their second possession, they drove into Ryan territory with a strong ground game. However, the drive stalled at the Ryan 28-yard line, and Christian Kauffman continued his perfect season as he connected with the 45-yard field goal, giving MUS the early 3-0 lead with 7:19 remaining in the first quarter.

The Owls increased their advantage to 10-0 late in the quarter on their next possession as they needed only two plays to go 80 yards.

First, Brunetti found Stephond Allmond in the middle of the field for a 29-yard reception on first down, and then on the next play, Elliott Bryant rumbled 51 yards for the touchdown to culminate the 80-yard drive that took up only 23 seconds.

Ryan closed the gap midway through the second quarter as they took advantage of the Owls’ second turnover of the game, a muffed punt near midfield.

Yet after one Irish first down, the MUS defense held and forced a field-goal attempt, and though kicker Nick Pollard connected from 44-yards out, the Owls had withstood another miscue and maintained the advantage.

The MUS mistakes continued late in the half as after a defensive stand and forced Irish punt, returner Forrest Baty fielded the kick at the Owl 5-yard line and ultimately was tackled in the endzone by Kyle Stoney, resulting in the safety with 1:54 remaining in the half. That score would stand as the hosts held a 10-5 halftime lead.

Despite holding the advantage at the break and outgaining Father Ryan by almost 60 yards, uncharacteristic Owl mistakes kept the Irish in the game as MUS committed two turnovers, only their sixth and seventh giveaways of the season, and six penalties for 59 yards. MUS coaches were determined to eliminate these errors and look to take control in the second half.

However, the visitors had other plans as they took the opening possession of the second half and drove down the field. Yet facing a 3rd-and-11 at the MUS 22-yard line, a Trey McPhail 4-yard run forced Pollard out again. His 36-year field goal closed the gap to 10-8 with 6:57 to complete the 12-play, 62-yard drive that took up 5:03.

But MUS responded.

Taking over at their own 20-yard line, MUS needed only 8 plays to get into the endzone as Brunetti took a keeper in from 2-yards out. Kauffman’s PAT increased the lead to 17-8 with 4:55 left in the third quarter. 

But more Owl mistakes prevented them from taking advantage of the offensive momentum and putting the game away.

Another muffed punt and bad punt snap gave the Irish opportunities to score, but the MUS defense played well throughout and kept Ryan from coming back.

The Owls finally added to their advantage midway through the fourth quarter as Kauffman was true on another field goal, this time from 36-yards out, to culminate the 8-play, 47-yard drive with 7:32 remaining in the game as MUS now led, 20-8.

But just when Owl fans started planning their trip to Cookeville, Ryan showed that they were not done as Nick Bateman broke several tackles and went into the endzone from 52-yards out for the touchdown. Pollard’s extra point closed the advantage to 20-15 with 6:01 left in the game.

Yet just as they have all season, the MUS offense put together a drive that kept Ryan at bay.

Using 10 plays, including a 41-yard pass from Brunetti to TE Bryan Crenshaw, the Owls  moved into Ryan territory,  but more importantly they exhausted Ryan’s times-out and ran down the clock. Ultimately, facing a 4th-and-7 at the Irish 22-yard line, Kauffman confidently trotted out and kicked a 40-yard field goal with just 1:57 left in the game as MUS held a 23-15 lead.

And though Ryan picked up one first down on their final desperation drive, a bad snap on fourth down ended their hopes as the Owls advance to their second consecutive state-title game and seventh overall.

MUS improves to 12-0 with their twenty-fifth straight win. Father Ryan’s season ends at 8-4.

The Owls’ opponent in the title game will be Montgomery Bell Academy, a 42-41 double-overtime winner over Brentwood Academy in the other semifinal. MUS holds a 10-6 series lead over the Big Red, including last-year’s 35-7 victory. Kickoff for the BlueCross Bowl is set for 7:00 p.m., December 3, at Tennessee Tech University.

Owls Upend Baylor, Advance In Playoffs

Coming off a bye week earned because of their regular season, MUS varsity coaches urged their team not to become complacent entering the playoffs against a formidable Baylor squad. And though the Owls seemed what Coach Alston called a little “rusty” early in the contest, the team rebounded well in the second half to defeat the Red Raiders, 38-7, and advance into the semifinals of the Super-Prep playoffs. 

Quarterback Barry Brunetti ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more as the Owls exploded in a ten-minute span in the second half for the victory.

Yet Baylor came ready to play and kept the game close early. The Red Raiders held MUS on their first three possessions, forcing punts on each. However, the Baylor offense could not take advantage as the MUS defense was just as successful, limiting the visitors to only 47 first-quarter yards to keep the game scoreless headed into the second quarter.

MUS finally scored midway through the quarter following a Forrest-Baty punt return.

Starting at the Baylor 35-yard line, the Owls picked up one first down but could get no more as they were held at the Red-Raider 12-yard line. Christian Kauffman, a Mr. Football finalist, connected from 29 yards out for the score as the Owls took the early lead with 7:59 left in the half.

MUS scored their first touchdown of the game on their next possession as they finally sustained a drive. A Brunetti 17-yard run and Stephond-Allmond 15-yard run got the Owls close, and then Brunetti went in from 3-yards out for the score, completing the 9-play, 50-yard drive that took up 3:04. Kauffman’s extra point gave the hosts the 10-0 halftime lead.

Despite holding the lead at the break, the offense did not appear crisp as they missed on several scoring opportunities and committed several penalties. But the last drive seemed to give MUS momentum heading into the second half.

Baylor had an opportunity to get back into the game early in the third quarter, but they failed to convert. After having forced a rare MUS turnover, only their fifth on the season, Baylor was in Owl territory. But facing a 4th-and-1 at the MUS 45-yard line, RB Sam Williams was stopped for a 3-yard loss, and the Owls held.

Just three plays later, Brunetti found Hank Hill along the sideline, and the senior receiver hauled in the deflected pass and went in from 40 yards out, giving the Owls the 17-0 lead after Kauffman’s PAT. The touchdown was Hill's 14th of the season.

Baylor did cut the lead on their next possession as QB Jacob Huesman went in from 12-yards out to complete the 9-play, 72-yard drive and cut the advantage to 17-7 with 4:09 left in the third quarter.

But the Owls ended all hopes of an upset as they answered on their next possession and were not challenged again.

Brunetti’s second rushing touchdown of the game and twelfth of the season, a 17-yarder, culminated an impressive 7-play, 70-yard drive that took up 2:14. The Owls held the 24-7 lead going into the fourth quarter.

MUS would add two additional scores in the final quarter to insure victory.

First, Brunetti hit Allmond from 12-yards out for a score to end a 40-yard drive that began after another defensive stop on fourth down. MUS increased their advantage to 31-7 with 8:55 remaining in the game.

And then with reserves in the game, they too added a touchdown as William Cross threw a touchdown pass to Landon Finney from 39-yards out, ending the 6-play, 56-yard possession that amassed 2:44 and completed the scoring.

With the win, MUS improves to 11-0. Baylor completes their season at 7-5.

Next week in the semifinals, the Owls take on Father Ryan, the second seed out of the MidEast Division and 45-35 winner over Briarcrest in the quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Stokes Stadium this Friday night.

MUS Overcomes Mud, Saints To Finish Undefeated Regular Season

With their 41-6 win at Briarcrest in the regular-season finale last Friday night, the MUS varsity football team completed their second straight undefeated regular season and earned the top seed in the West in the upcoming Super Prep playoffs. 

On a rainy evening in the mud, the Owls started slowly against the inspired Saints as Briarcrest took an early lead on their senior night.

Taking the opening kickoff, BCS had gotten deep into MUS territory before stalling at the Owl 9-yard line. Anderson Goin connected on a 26-yard field goal to culminate the 10-play, 61-yard drive that took up 5:17. Though MUS kept the Saints out of the endzone, getting the early lead gave the Saints confidence and momentum.

However, like any championship team, the Owls answered the Briarcrest score with a score of their own.

Beginning at their own 25-yard line, the Owls tried to establish the line of scrimmage by running the football, and they were successful. Yet the hosts ultimately held deep in their own territory, and Christian Kauffman tied the game with a 30-yard field goal, completing the 11-play, 62-yard drive that amassed 4:43.

But the deteriorating field conditions began to slow the offenses headed into the second quarter.

Following several punts, Briarcrest retook the lead at 4:53 remaining in the half with a Goin 40-yard field goal following a 7-play drive.

But the Owls grabbed the lead for the first time just 33 seconds later needing only two plays.

Starting at their own 21-yard line, QB Barry Brunetti found TE Bryan Crenshaw down the seam, and the senior had rumbled down the sloppy field before ultimately getting caught at the 1-yard line. Brunetti scored on the next play, and Kauffman’s PAT gave MUS the 10-6 lead with 4:20 left in the half.

The Owls would add another field goal as time expired following a turnover.

Facing a 3rd-and-4 from their own 25-yard line, D.J. McNeil mishandled a toss, and Andrew Gardella recovered the fumble at the Saint 20-yard line with 4 seconds remaining.

With time enough for only one play, Kauffman hit from 37-yards out to increase the lead to 13-6 at the break. Kauffman ended the regular season perfect in field goals, going 12-12.

In the second half, the Owls used the momentum from the late field goal to break the close game open.

MUS scored two touchdowns in the third quarter and two more in the fourth while holding the potent Saints, averaging almost 40 points per game, to just 105 total yards in the second half.

Brunetti added his second rushing score of the game on the first possession of the third quarter to complete a 9-play, 65-yard drive as he went in from 3-yards out.

Five minutes later, he threw his first touchdown of the game as he hit Landon Finney from 38-yards out to increase the lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Owls added two rushing touchdowns as reserves saw action.

First, William Cross culminated a 10-play, 58-yard drive that took up 3:41 as he went in on a 1-yard plunge for the touchdown to increase the lead to 34-6 with 9:24 remaining in the game.

And on the next possession, Forrest Baty finished the scoring with a 64-yard run as he outran several tacklers for the touchdown.

With the division title and first-round bye already secured, and with the rainy conditions making footing uneasy, the Owls could have easily been sluggish and taken the Saints lightly; however, MUS continued to take care of the ball early in the game and eventually established their running game as they won going away. The Owls (10-0, 3-0) finished with 260 rushing yards and 404 total yards as they withstood the Saints (6-4, 1-2) early and cruised to the 41-6 victory.

Next week, MUS is off as it awaits its quarterfinal opponent. The Owls will take on the St. Benedict-Baylor winner November 13 at home. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Stokes Stadium.

MUS Linebacker Honored

With his performance against Christian Brothers last Friday night, junior linebacker Zach Erickson was named the Commercial Appeal's Defensive Player of the Week for Week 9.

In the 38-14 win, Erickson tallied twelve total tackles, including two for loss, and two interceptions that led to fourteen points. Erickson now has 49 tackles on the season, third most on the squad.

For coverage from the Commercial Appeal on Erickson, click here.

Second-Half Surge Propels Owls

At the half of last-Friday's home football game against CBHS, the MUS varsity squad found themselves in a position that they had not been all season -- trailing at the break.

However, four third-quarter touchdowns, all coming in a span of 4:28, broke open a close game as the Owls, the top-ranked team in the city, won handily, 38-14, to extend their unbeaten streak to twenty-two games.

MUS started quickly as they scored the first ten points, scoring on their opening two possessions.

After an initial stop, the Owls took over at the Purple Wave 47-yard line and started moving the football.

However, on 3rd-and-5 at the CBHS 16-yard line, QB Barry Brunetti's pass to Matt Williams fell incomplete, stalling the drive. Fortunately, Christian Kauffman continued his outstanding senior season as he connected from 33-yards out to give the hosts the early 3-0 lead.

The Owls added to that advantage on their next drive as Brunetti broke free from the line and went into the endzone from 7-yards out, culminating the 10-play, 70-yard possession that took up 3:40. The key play of the drive was Brunetti's 18-yard scamper to get MUS close.

But like any good team, the Purple Wave answered early in the second quarter.

Jonathan Brown's 1-yard plunge ended an impressive 12-play, 78-yard drive as CBHS' balanced attack was very effective. QB Jake Zdancewicz went 4-4 passing on the possession as he kept the Owl defenders off-balance. Corey Acosta's PAT closed the gap to 3 points at 10-7 with 8:30 left in the half.

The Purple Wave's defense was sparked by the touchdown as they began to stymie the Owls, limiting the hosts to only 2 first-downs the entire second quarter.

Meanwhile, CBHS put together another drive just before the half to take the lead.

On their eighth play of the drive, and with just 11 seconds remaining from the MUS 22-yard line, Purple-Wave coaches trotted out Acosta, one of the best kickers in the area, to attempt a field goal. However, after a time-out, they reconsidered and sent the offense back out. On the next play, Zdancewicz found Chris Bunkley in the corner of the endzone for the score as CBHS had the 14-10 halftime lead.

Instead of being frustrated and upset because of the halftime deficit, MUS coaches used the disadvantage as incentive to play well in the second half and beyond. And the players responded.

MUS opened the half with a score as Brunetti went in from 1-yard out to complete the 13-play, 80-yard drive that amassed 3:40. Kauffman's extra-point gave the hosts the lead back at 17-14.

Then following a Zach-Erickson interception at the CBHS 27-yard line, the Owls struck again as on the next play, Brunetti hit TE Bryan Crenshaw down the seam for the 27-yard touchdown. Kauffman added the PAT for the 24-14 advantage with 7:13 left in the quarter.

MUS added a third touchdown just 2:10 later following another Erickson interception. From the Purple Wave 47-yard line, the hosts used 7 plays to move to the 5-yard line. From there, Keith McBride tip-toed into the endzone for his fifth touchdown of the season, giving the Owls the 31-14 lead with 5:10 left.

But the onslaught was not complete.

Following a CBHS punt, the Owls scored again as Brunetti found McBride on a short pass, and the senior runningback did the rest as he went 68 yards for the score. Kauffman's kick gave the Owls the 38-14 lead as they had scored their fourth touchdown in just 4:28.

From there, MUS took care of the ball and did not make any mistakes as they ran out the clock.

With the win, the Owls improve to 9-0, 2-0 in the division, while CBHS falls to 7-2, 1-1 in division play. Their twentieth-second consecutive victory, a school record, also insures MUS of a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Next-Friday night, the regular-season finale, the Owls travel to Eads to take on Briarcrest. Kickoff at the SportsPlex is set for 7:00 p.m.

MUS Linebacker Honored

With his performance against St. Benedict last Friday night, senior linebacker Eli Wilder was named the Commercial Appeal's Defensive Player of the Week for Week 8.

In the 46-0 win, Wilder tallied ten total tackles, including two tackles-for-loss for four yards, as he and his temmates held the Eagles to only 114 total yards, 250 yards below their average. Wilder now has 59 tackles on the season, second most on the squad.

For coverage from the Commercial Appeal on Wilder, click here.

Owls Open Conference Play With Win

With a balanced attack that led to seven touchdowns in their first seven possessions, the MUS varsity football team jumped out early and easily handled conference foe St. Benedict last Friday night, defeating the Eagles, 46-0.

The Owls scored on every offensive possession of the first half as they controlled the line of scrimmage.

Stephond Allmond's 7-yard scamper gave MUS the early lead with 7:11 in the first quarter after an initial defensive stand.

Then, after another stop, QB Barry Brunetti threw his first of three touchdown passes on the night as he hit WR Hank Hill streaking down the sideline for the 60-yard score to increase the lead late in the first quarter.

Midway through the second quarter the Owls' lead continued to grow as Brunetti found TE Bryan Crenshaw from 16-yards out for another touchdown. The score was Crenshaw's first of the season and gave the visitors the 20-0 lead with 4:40 remaining in the half.

But the Owls were not done.

Following CB Jake Rudolph's first of two interceptions on the evening, MUS began their next drive at the Eagle 38-yard line.

Needing only 6 plays, the Owls found the endzone again as Keith McBride, who finished the game with 67 yards on 8 carries, ran in from 9-yards out. Christian Kauffman's extra point gave MUS the 27-0 halftime lead.

The starters played one more series coming out of the half, and they made the most of it.

Brunetti's 6-yard pass to Hill culminated a 7-play, 79-yard drive that amassed 2:08 and gave MUS the 33-0 lead following a missed two-point conversion. Hill's touchdown was his thirteenth scoring catch of the season, setting a single-season mark for touchdown receptions.

From this point, Owl coaches substituted liberally, and many players saw action.

QB Toby Baker scored his first touchdown of his varsity career as he snuck in from 1-yard out on MUS' next possession.

And Elliott Bryant scored the last touchdown of the game as he rumbled in from 7-yards out to end the 2-play, 12-yard drive that began after Rudolph's second interception.

The Owls were very efficient in this contest and looked sharp despite the conditions, drizzly and cold, as temperatures hovered in the upper-40's. The team averaged 8.5 yards per play and allowed -1 yards rushing to the Eagles, which had come in averaging over 33 points per game.

With the win, MUS improves to 8-0, 1-0 in the division, while St. Benedict drops to 3-5, 0-1 in the West.

Next week, the Owls return to Stokes Stadium for their final home regular-season game as they take on Christian Brothers. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. next Friday night.

Owls Outlast Spartans

When MUS senior quarterback Barry Brunetti went out of last-Friday-night's game because of injury at the end of the first quarter against White Station, Owl fans had to question whether the team could withstand this loss, especially against such an athletic, powerful team as the Spartans. Fortunately, the team never questioned itself.

Led by three rushing touchdowns from Keith McBride and three more from backup quarterback William Cross, MUS outlasted the speedy Spartans, 55-35, to improve to 7-0 headed into the bye week. White Station falls to 4-2.

Before he was injured, Brunetti had been having an outstanding game. In just one quarter, he accounted for 130 passing yards on six completions and 46 rushing yards. He also added a touchdown as he plunged in from 1-yard out just 2:13 into the game to give the hosts the early 7-0 lead.

After an initial defensive stand, MUS looked as if they were ready to blow the game open as they doubled their lead. McBride's first touchdown run, a 12-yarder, culminated the 4-play, 63-yard drive that amassed only 59 seconds. Christian Kauffman's extra point increased the lead to 14 with 7:38 left in the quarter.

But White Station did not fold. Showing their quick-strike capabilities, QB Anthony Hayes found speedy receiver Julian Bolton streaking down the home sidelines for the 76-yard scoring pass. Patrick McCarthy's PAT cut the lead in half with still over half of the first quarter remaining.

The Owls answered on the next drive, but the possession was costly. Brunetti adroitly led his team down the field, rushing for 26 yards on one play and hitting senior receiver Hank Hill on a 24-yard pass on another. Ultimately, after a quarterback sneak, the hosts got the ball to the Spartan 1-yard line. However, on first down, Brunetti mishandled the snap, leading to a fumble. In diving to recover, Brunetti was injured, and Cross was called on. Though MUS did not get into the endzone, Kauffman did add to the lead as he tacked on a 20-yard field goal to give the Owls the 17-7 advantage as the quarter finally expired.

With Brunetti out, the team could easily pity itself and lose focus, knowing that White Station would have renewed hope.

The Spartans took advantage of the momentum swing as they recovered a fumbled snap on the Owls' next possession, and Rajhan Watkins rumbled 40 yards for the score. McCarthy's PAT shaved the lead to 17-14 early in the second quarter.

But MUS answered with 17 straight points to conclude the half as they showed great resiliency.

First, Kauffman remained perfect on the season as he connected on a 43-yard field goal with 8:14 remaining.

Then, following a Sam-Harris interception, Cross scored, scrambling in from 6-yards out to take advantage of the Spartan mistake.

And after another defensive stand, McBride added his second scoring run of the game, this one from 35-yards out, to give the hosts a 34-14 halftime advantage.

But again, the Spartans came back in the second half.

Burton added his second score of the game as he took a handoff and raced into the endzone from 49-yards out to complete the 6-play, 60-yard drive. McCarthy's extra point cut the lead with 6:28 left in the third.

Yet the Owls answered on their next drive.

On the seventh play of an 80-yard drive, Cross hit Hill on a fade, and the 14-yard scoring reception, Hill's eleventh of the year, gave MUS a 41-21 lead.

And just 1:29 later, McBride, who finished the evening with 194 yards on 20 carries, added his third rushing touchdown as he raced in from 39-yards out. Kauffman's PAT increased the advantage to 48-21.

White Station tried to stay close as Hayes hit Adrian Ross on a 15-yard scoring toss with just 46 seconds remaining in the third quarter to trim the lead to 20 at 48-28.

The Spartans pulled within two scores with 7:12 left in the game as Hayes added a 7-yard scoring run, and after the extra point, they trailed by only 13.

However, they would get no closer.

MUS added one final score as Cross took a keeper and went into the endzone from 32-yards out, all but ending White Station's hope to end the Owls' nineteen-game winning streak.

Despite giving up 384 yards, the Owls' defense stopped White Station when they needed to to give the MUS offense good field position. Relying on their running game and defense, the Owls overcame adversity and injuries to remain perfect on the year by taking the 55-35 victory and evening the series with the Spartans at 5-5-2.

MUS is off next week for Fall Break. They enter conference play October 16 as they travel to St. Benedict to take on the Eagles. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.