“We just wanted to prove that we are number one,” stated senior Reed Worth.
Going into Friday, September 21, the PCM Mustangs found themselves approaching yet another opportunity to prove themselves. This time there would be a few more factors than usual. The Mustangs would have to prove themselves as the top-ranked team in 2A for the first time in school history, playing the ranked Chariton Chargers, for their homecoming game. There would also be a huge audience as well, the game was WHO Channel 13’s game of the week. With homecoming there would inevitably be distractions, but PCM would go unphased and handily defeated the Chargers 42-0.
Leading the offensive assault was Worth, who completed eight passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Worth also set the tone for the game by scoring off of a 76-yard touchdown run on the very first play of the game. He would finish with 100 rushing yards along with the touchdown. Senior Wes Cummings rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns. He’s now 315 yards away from setting the career rushing record at PCM. He also led the team in receiving with 115 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Isaac Telfer finished behind Cummings with 88 receiving yards. Overall, Cummings finished with 201 all-purpose yards with four touchdowns on the night.
The first-team Mustang defense held the Chargers to a measly 76 yards and forced three turnovers. Senior Olin Meinders led the team in tackles with nine total. Seniors Brycen Rogers and Chance Palm both recovered fumbles, while senior Nick Dredge had one interception. Dredge is now two interceptions away from setting the school career record.
The Mustangs have not only managed to make it through one of the toughest schedules that PCM has seen in recent years undefeated so far, but they steamrolled the competition. Through five games, the Mustangs have outscored their opponents 215-30. The first team hasn’t allowed a single point in the last 13 quarters while the offense is averaging 40 points per game.
Four out of the first five teams that PCM has played this year have been ranked at some point during the 2018 season. The only unranked team is class 3A Newton, who the Mustangs beat 50-10. There’s no denying that the Mustangs’ 2018 season is one of such caliber that the communities of Prairie City and Monroe have not seen before. The Mustangs will hit the road tomorrow to play the Eagles of Saydel, kick-off is set for 7:30.
