WS Chronicle

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY 

THE CHRONICLE

The Parkland Mustangs were clicking on all cylinders in all three phases of the game last Thursday against Walkertown.  They were able to put points on the board offensively, defensively and with special teams on route to a 57-6 victory against the Wolfpack.

The Mustangs scored early and often throughout Thursday’s matchup with Walkertown.  Parkland was able to force Walkertown into a three and out on their first possession and then proceeded to march the ball right down the field scoring on a touchdown pass from quarterback Tyrone Barber to wide receiver Jesus DeLeon.

Wardlow returned it for another Mustang touchdown. The Mustangs never looked back.

The Mustangs were able to run the ball at will throughout the game, with running backs Zyheir Dillard and Trajon Stevenson.  Dillard, who scored two touchdowns, looked like a man among boys at times during the game.

Parkland JV head coach Brendan Atwater said Dillard had been dealing with an injured ankle and wanted to give him some work on Thursday.  He said he was pleased with his team’s overall performance but knows they have work to do offensively.

“Initially I think we came out and executed.  We have work to do on offense but at the end of the day my defense is sound,” said Atwater.  “We wanted to make our run game a little bit stronger.  We can air the ball out pretty good, but it’s the run that kills them.

Atwater said they kept the ball on the ground mostly because they had to start their back-up quarterback against the Wolfpack.

The Mustang defense is not to be overlooked.  The team members were able to keep Walkertown in long yardage situations all night long.  With the Wolfpack unable to throw the ball effectively, the Parkland defenders could key in on the Walkertown running backs.

Walkertown was dealing with a few injuries, leaving the team somewhat depleted coming into the game.  The team gave maximum effort all game, especially Reggie Green III, who is affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Versatile” by Walkertown head coach Chris Cannon.  Green took snaps at quarterback and running back on offense along with being the starting cornerback on defense and returned kicks.

Cannon says he was happy that the team never gave up and fought all game even when the game was out of reach.

“As far as tonight’s game, [the team] gave a valiant effort but we were outmanned, and that’s what it came down to,” said Cannon.  “I like the effort we put in during the second half.  The first half we came out a little sluggish, but I think we have some building blocks.”

The lone score for Walkertown came from a Parkland fumble and was picked up by Wolfpack defender Zack Monette who returned it 68 yards for the score.  The Walkertown sideline went wild with cheers.

Thursday’s game was the second of the season for Walkertown because of a lack of players, and coach Cannon says he wants his team to continue to grow throughout the season.

“We didn’t give up, and any time you can look at the scoreboard and you see that you’re down and your brothers are hurt and you can keep fighting, that’s better than any score,” Cannon continued.

Parkland’s lone loss of the year came against West Forsyth in Week 2 of the season.  Parkland is scheduled to play Carver. Atwater says his team was not prepared for West, but says the team will be when they face off next week.

Cannon said his team may be a little thin but the team will fight hard every week and he is confident that they will win a game this year.