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Cliff Williams / TPI Stanhope Elmore’s Arthur McQueen (4) runs through Park Crossing Jayden Hamilton (45).

After losing consecutive games to Percy Julian and archrival Prattville earlier in the season, the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs ended September with victories over Park Crossing and Smiths Station. The Mustangs won 20-0 against the Panthers on the road, finishing September with a 3-2 record (1-1).

“I thought our defensive effort was outstanding,” Mustangs head coach Hunter Adams said. “Anytime you can pitch a shutout against a 7A opponent is a good feeling. Our offense had some great moments, but not as consistent as we would like to be. We played with several reserves on the offensive line and they got the job done enough to get us a much-needed road win.”

The Mustangs, in their past two outings, have outscored their opponents 51-12.

They are set to face region-leading Russell County and Pike Road to start October.

“We have to finish in the red zone,” Adams said. “We had several red zone possessions tonight that resulted in no points. That’s the major thing that cost us against Percy Julian earlier this year.” 

Stanhope Elmore took an early lead, quieting the Panther Stadium crowd and advancing to 13-0. Running back Arthur McQueen scored both touchdowns.

This score held through the first half, with the Mustangs in the lead.

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In the third quarter, the Panthers posed a threat by capitalizing on a kickoff return, advancing to the Stanhope Elmore 35 and then inside the Mustangs 20. 

The defense stood firm, forcing a fumble and recovering to end the threat.

Stanhope Elmore then went on the offensive, pushing the ball downfield and ending in the Panthers' red zone. The Mustangs scored the final points of the night with a Zac Holcombe to Damarion Barnes, making the score 20-0 in their favor.

Despite not having a win on the season, Smiths Station connected on a long pass, setting the Panthers up with a first down at the Mustangs 20. However, a series of unfortunate events pushed the hometown team back, leading them to punt and pin the Mustangs at their 1-yard line.

After trading possessions late in the game, the Mustangs forced another fumble inside their own 30. Stanhope Elmore’s defense recovered the loose ball.

With less than a minute left and tempers flaring, the Mustangs regained their composure and controlled the clock, securing the 20-0 victory.