Mustangs fall to Brahmas in season finale

The Nixon-Smiley closed out their 2024 season with a tough 22-16 loss to Stockdale Friday, Nov. 8 at home.

The Mustangs rallied from a 16-0 halftime deficit, but fell short in the end zone with no time remaining.

Nixon-Smiley closed out its first season under head coach Paul Kirby; two seasons ago Kirby was the assistant coach for the Mustangs and he has now had his first season a head coach.

“First season, you know, sometimes bad things do happen. That's what we kind of preach all year. You know, ups and downs. We talked about riding the wave, okay? The emotional wave, emotional roller coaster. We just, we had a vision, you know, and we accomplished some of the goals that we wanted,” Kirby said.

“The future is very bright for the Mustangs. I'm excited to be able to work within this offseason. Full offseason is going to be key. The whole offseason will be key to continue to grow,” Kirby added.

The Mustangs say goodbye to 13 of their seniors this season, and Kirby said they were reason why he returned to Nixon-Smiley.

“Part of my decision coming back to Nixon-Smiley was that senior group and I’ll forever be grateful to them, love them and I’ll always be there for them,” Kirby said.

Kirby is excited for year two of his head coaching career, especially the underclassman.

“We got Garrett, Eric, Julian and our studs are coming back. Joe White, he's gonna be a dude. So we're very excited for the upperclassman to be back. Most of our line is coming back, so defense is gonna get better,” Kirby said. “I'm gonna throw his name out there again. Coach McElroy, I love the guy. He's a great dude, Coach van Hopkins, Coach Garza, we're part of a successful team.”

Kirby added he is very blessed to have a great staff in his first year as a head coach.

The Mustangs closed out their season with a 3-7 overall record and 2-5 for sixth place in District 15-3A-2.

The Mustangs will return in Fall 2025.

--STATS--

OFFENSE:

Passing:

Eric Rodriguez: 1/4 completions for 22 yards

Rushing:

Julian Amaya: 12 carries for 119 yards

E. Rodriguez: 11 carries for 65 yard and two touchdowns

Aiden Flores: seven carries for 64 yards

Garet Gonzales: nine carries for 35 yards

Joe White: two carries for three yards

Receiving:

Tristen Mikesh: one reception for 22 yards

DEFENSE:

Tackles:

Timothy McGlothine: 13 total tackles

A. Flores: 12 total tackles

John Garza: 11 total tackles

Khali Jantes: 10 total tackles

Ryan Paez: nine total tackles

Jaylun Rodriguez: eight total tackles

Nicholas Martinez: six total tackles

Davian Ramos and J. Amaya: five total tackles