Saturday, the Mustangs were trying to advance to their third straight state semifinal. Standing in their way were the North Stars, who were trying to advance to their second semifinal since 2018 when they went downstate.
Despite being outgained offensively 312-235, the Mustangs managed a 28-7 victory.
The Mustangs special teams made an early statement by blocking a North Stars punt in the endzone and falling on it for a touchdown. They added a second blocked punt for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, and blocked a Hunter Liszka field goal in the third.
Mustangs kicker Conor Talty, an Alabama recruit, kicked a 26 yard field goal to put the Mustangs up for good with 2:26 left in the first half. He would add a 42 yard field goal late in the third quarter.
Running back Ethan Middleton (4 carries, 70 yards, TD) scored the only Mustangs offensive touchdown with 3½ minutes left.
Mustangs number one running back D.J. Stewart had 26 carries for 116 hard earned yards. Despite a tough first half, Stewart's number kept getting called. Quarterback Jett Hilding went 4/16 for 48 yards and had a hail mary interception at the end of the first half.
North Stars running back Drew Surges had 21 carries for 73 yards. He also caught 5 passes for 84 yards and provided the only touchdown for the North Stars: a 15 yard catch-and-run from Will Vaske (14/31, 266 yards, TD, 2 Int).
The Mustangs (10-2) advance to the Class 7A semifinals, and the North Stars finish the season at 10-2.
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