The Owls seemed to have found a formula that is working.
Having changed their offensive scheme two games ago, going from their traditional spread offense to an I-formation with a blocking fullback, the MUS varsity football team seems to like the change as they won their second consecutive game this past Friday night, defeating CBHS, 42-3, to improve to 4-3 overall, 1-0 in division play.
But another component of that formula is the defense.
Though the offense has been very efficient and has established themselves on the ground the past two contests, including last-week’s 41-0 blanking of East, the defense has been the foundation of the success as they continued to dominate their competition.
Against the Purple Wave, which entered the contest averaging over 30 points per game, the Owl defenders completely stymied them as they allowed only 166 total yards, 9 first downs, and 2 for 11 on third downs.
CBHS crossed the MUS 25-yard line only once, on their opening possession, yet they were stopped at the MUS 20-yard line and were forced into a field-goal attempt. Zach Baddour connected on that attempt from 37-yards out as the visitors took the early lead, 3-0, with 8:39 remaining in the first quarter.
But the Wave never seriously threatened again as the Owl defense dominated the line of scrimmage. Taking away one long run, a 42-yarder by Kurtis Hicks on that opening drive, and the defense never allowed CBHS to break any long plays and frustrated them much of the game.
Meanwhile, the Owl offense played well for the second consecutive game as the switch to the I-formation continues to pay off. With seven offensive linemen in the game, including Brayden Phillips, the normal center, at fullback, MUS found room to run the football, and the backs took advantage.
Fernando Van Hook finished the game with 110 yards on 22 carries, including two first-half touchdowns. Carlton McCord also added one score, a 30-yarder, as he finished with 86 yards on 6 carries. As a team, the Owls rushed for 210 yards and four touchdowns, Toby Baker adding the fourth on a 2-yard sneak late in the third quarter.
The success on the ground opened up opportunities through the air as well, and MUS took advantage in that area.
Baker went 4-5 for the game, connecting with Devin Perry on all four completions. Perry made some beautiful catches as he totaled 161 yards and 2 touchdowns. Perry had receptions of 13, 35, 40, and 73 yards as he took advantage of a secondary keyed on stopping the run.
At the half, the Owls led 28-3, and with Baker’s sneak late in the third quarter and Perry 13-yard scoring catch early in the fourth, MUS forced a running-clock situation the remaining 10 minutes of the game.
With the loss, CBHS falls to 4-2, 0-1 on the season.
MUS is off next week for Fall Break. They will return to action in two weeks as they travel to St. Benedict. Kickoff on October 14 is set for 7:00 pm.
