The McCracken County Mustangs will continue their playoff campaign Friday night, as they’re set to host the Central Hardin Bruins in a 6A playoff second round matchup.
One week prior, the Mustangs handled their business comfortably in the first round, as they kicked off their postseason with a 41-12 win over the Warren Central Dragons. The win continues a strong late-season stretch for the Mustangs, who have now won four of their last five outings.
In the win over Warren Central, the high-powered Mustang offense turned in another solid shift, with quarterback Maddox O’Neal completing 8-of-12 passes for 211 yards and three touchdown passes, finding receiver Michael Brookshire for two touchdowns and 111 yards on three receptions. Alongside the passing game, junior Dawson Hayden gave McCracken a different look along the ground, picking up 144 yards on six carries for another pair of touchdowns.
The Mustang defense also showed out in their first round matchup, forcing five turnovers while keeping the Dragons under 200 total yards.
Looking ahead to Central Hardin, after limiting Warren Central to just 39 rushing yards, McCracken’s run defense will need to be sharp once again when facing a rush-heavy Bruin offense. Throughout the year, Central Hardin have switched up their looks in the backfield, with four players having over 300 total rushing yards, as the Bruins gained 2,141 yards along the ground against 486 passing yards.
While backs Seth Laudermilt and Gage Gergly each have over 500 yards on the season, the Bruins’ offense often begins with dual-threat quarterback Caleb Irwin, who has gained 349 rushing yards alongside 463 passing yards over the course of the year.
In their last time out against Christian County, a 34-6 win over Christian County, Central Hardin’s defense completely shut down the Colonel’s passing game, allowing just 29 total passing yards while racking up four interceptions.
Kickoff between the Mustangs and Bruins from Marquette Stadium is set for tonight at 7pm.