Mustangs face final non-district test

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NIXON — The Nixon-Smiley Mustangs (2-2) finished out their three-game road trip with a loss but are now focused on finishing out the non-district season with a win against the Falls City Beavers (3-1) at home.

Last week, head coach Carlton McKinney believed his quad wasn’t prepared mentally to play. The lack of focus was the biggest key to their loss. But after that loss, the Mustangs are now refocused and ready to go.

“After a game like last Friday, the kids came to practice this week with much more intensity and much more focus,” McKinney said. “We’re only as good as we prepared. I strongly believe we can compete against anyone on our schedule but we can also lost to anybody if we’re not prepared.”

Falls City will provide a good test for the Mustangs, McKinney believes, because they’re a good football team that “plays extremely hard and extremely well.”

Offensively, they have run multiple formations, throwing mostly out of a spread and running out of a Wing-T.

“They have two really good runners,” he scouted. “Quarterback #6 Keyshawn Johnson is one of the better runners if not their best. Running back #9 Josh Swierc controls the tempo most of the time.”

“Johnson is a really good athlete, probably their best.”

Defensively, the Beavers will run a 50, throwing down a nose guard to try to slow down Nixon-Smiley’s offense.

“Their front is experienced,” McKinney noted, “they stay low and they come off the football well. The outside linebackers are aggressive and their corners are aggressive, they’re going to make plays.”

The Mustangs will need to remain focused as to not get another disappointing loss as they did last week.

Kickoff for tonight is in Nixon at 7:30 p.m.

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