Mustangs Named District 1 Runner-Up; Bulldogs Finished 3rd The Flinthills Mustangs and Madison Bulldogs delivered an action-packed Week 8 matchup in Rosalia last Friday, Oct. 23, with Flinthills using big plays, a timely defensive score and a productive rushing attack to build separation and secure a 46-22 victory.
The Mustangs found the end zone repeatedly through the air and on the ground, while the Bulldogs answered with explosive runs of their own to keep the contest competitive through the first half.
Flinthills wasted little time making its presence felt. At the 10:37 mark of the first quarter, Beau Hall returned an interception for a touchdown. The twopoint conversion, a pass from Tripp Carney to Deken Girty was successful, and the Mustangs led 8-0.
The Mustangs added to their advantage at the 4:07 mark, when Kyoda Geis hauled in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Carney. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but Flinthills had established a 14-0 cushion after putting together a five-play, 39-yard drive.
Madison responded almost immediately. Just 21 seconds after the Mustangs’ second score, Mason McDonald broke free for a 20-yard touchdown. Cooper Luthi added the two-point conversion rush, cutting the deficit to 14-8.
Flinthills answered again late in the quarter. Carney connected with Hall on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining in the first quarter. The conversion failed, leaving the Mustangs ahead 20-8 heading into the second quarter.
The Bulldogs continued to show its offensive potential in the second quarter, beginning with a big play from Luthi. At 9:54, Luthi broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown, then added the two-point conversion to pull Madison within four points at 20-16.
Flinthills maintained its offensive rhythm, however. Carney found Charles Farris for an 8-yard touchdown pass at 6:27, capping an eight-play, 42-yard drive that lasted 3:21. The Mustangs were unable to convert the two-point attempt, but they extended their lead to 26-16.
The Bulldogs refused to go away. McDonald punched in a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:38 left in the half, finishing a nineplay, 55-yard drive. Madison’s conversion attempt failed, bringing the Bulldogs within four at 26-22.
The third quarter belonged to the Mustangs as they added three touchdowns and held the Bulldogs.
Hall opened the scoring surge with a 5-yard touchdown run at the 5:03 mark. The Mustangs needed just two plays to cover 33 yards in seven seconds, turning another quick offensive opportunity into points. The conversion failed, making it 32-22.
Hall struck again at 3:24, this time scoring on an 11yard run, extending its advantage to 38-22 after another unsuccessful conversion attempt.
The Mustangs added one more touchdown just before the end of the quarter. With one second remaining, Farris broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run. Hall added the two-point conversion rush, pushing the lead to 46-22.
Both teams finished regular season action with a 6-2 record (4-1 in district play). With Marmaton Valley also finishing the season with the same records, the tie for district championship was broken by point differentials. Marmaton Valley was first, Flinthills was second and Madison was third.
Team Statistics
Flinthills Madison 21 First Downs 10 261 Yards Rushing 149 94 Yards Passing 43 4-1 Fumbles-Lost 4-3 13-110 Penalties-Yards 4-30 Both teams now turn their attention to an important Week 9 matchup on Friday, Oct. 30, as they begin the 8-player DII championships.
Flinthills Mustangs (62): The No. 2-ranked team in District 1 will host District 2, No. 3 Attica (4-4) on Thursday, Oct. 29, TBD.
Madison Bulldogs (6-2): The No. 3-ranked team in District 1 will travel to face District 2, No. 2 Hutchinson- Central Christian (7-1) on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m., at Hutchinson Community College.
