[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: Big test passed?
We won on the road, again, that's big.

over the years, I mean decades, we've come to dislike playing at the Mustangs. We won there in 2091, but back then we snapped a 7-game losing streak in Houston. And with them leading their division with a 5-2 record, there was every reason to believe Vegas about us being 4-point underdogs.

Malachi Pierson made our first drive count, returning the kickoff 31 yards and four plays later turning third and ten into a 50-yard receiving touchdown, of course coming from the hand of Earnest Ashley. Houston replied with a 45-yard field goal, which we replied with a 36-yarder to make it 10-3 after two possessions. On our third drive Ashley found George Stuckey for 56 yards and a touchdown and before the first quarter was over, we forced a fumble to retain possession, marching into Houston territory before the change of ends.

Earnest Ashley completed a 26-yarder to Ed Schulz to get into the red zone and eventually connected on an 8-yarder to Clay Gaynor for a 23-3 lead. We managed a decent bend but don't break defensive drive, while the offense responded with another solid drive, leaning heavily on Bert Ta'Amu's legs and in the last two plays on Ashley's ability to find George Stuckey in traffic. It wasn't over yet for the Mustangs fans, Bryson Swafford intercepted Eddie Wright's pass in Houston territory. Ed Schulz caught the touchdown pass, making it 38-3 shortly after the two-minute warning. Houston pulled their quarterback before half time and saw Bradley Hansen drive his team downfield for a 36-yard field goal.

Leading 38-6 going into the second half, there wasn't much more to ask than brining him the victory. A Bert Ta'Amu fumble helped Houston into field goal range and they got the full 8 a couple of plays later. Slowly, but steadily, Houston drove downfield on their next drive, eventually seeing them throw it into the end zone twice to make it 38-22. A woken up Merchantmen offense then saw Earnest Ashley find Ed Schulz for 23 yards to push Houston back to their own 1-yard line to start the fourth quarter.

After two runs for no gain, Devon Farrell made his biggest play of the season so far, picking off a potential deep pass and returning it for a touchdown. Houston regrouped quickly, scoring another touchdown soon after, making it 45-28, and brining more life back into their crowd after our backup kickoff returner Adam Harmon fumbled the ball. Hayden McNeil picked off a screen pass two plays later. After quick three and out, Houston had the ball soon again, in our half, but this time Hayden McNeil made an interception in the end zone. It wasn't quite over yet, Earnest Ashley got picked off, but the resulting Houston possession ended on fourth and long as their quarterback scrambled for just a yard too few. A recovered fumbled on our end from their punt returner set up our 32-yard field goal, while another fourth down failure ended the game in our favor: 48-28.

Gothenburg win 21-3 at Bordeaux, while Paris won 31-23 at the falling apart Atlanta Vipers. At the mid-season point for the entire division, we're the somewhat unexpected, yet deserved division leaders.

Division
1. Maassluis 7-1
2. Gothenburg 6-2
3. Paris 2-6
4. Bordeaux 1-7

Earnest Ashley received more praise, throwing for 296 yards and 5 touchdowns, finding Ed Schulz and George Stuckey for 101 yards each. Bert Ta'Amu had his most productive game for us so far, running for 144 yards and receiving for 22 more. At the same time, with 3 turnovers, we gave Houston a shot, which they really blew with their 6 giveaways. Or shall we be proud about our defense forcing all those turnovers?

Our season continues with a home game against the Bordeaux Vineyards. Despite their record, an opponent not to underestimate. Stay focused and we'll get a big opportunity to improve to 8-1.