Mustangs Thrash Rival Hitmen 31-10

Three years ago, the Muskego Hitmen knocked off the Mustangs 6-0 in the playoffs.  SInce that loss, Madison has not put another mark in the L column, winning two Iron Bowl Championships along the way.  Last season, in the NFC Championship game, Muskego came close to handing the Mustangs a season ender, but couldn't cement the game away.

Needless to say, in a rivalry this heated, both sides had this one circled.

The Mustangs traveled to Hart Park in Wauwatosa last Saturday for a showdown with their archrivals.  On this hot, muggy evening, the Hitmen decided to come out of the gates and pop the 'Stang defense in the nose.  Jojo Moore, the powerful, thundering running back for Muskego, made everyone in the stands sit up and take notice as Muskego marched right down the field in 6 plays.  However, with their backs against the wall, the Hit Squad held on a first-and-goal from the 9, keeping the Hitmen off the board.  The drive was a preview of what would become Muskego's night: powerful running on Moore's back and an inability to put points up against the guys from Madison.

The Mustangs would score on their second possession thanks to a Scott Knipfer field goal, taking the lead and never being challenged again.  QB David Petrowiak, battling a slippery ball all evening in the humidity, threw two scores to Reggie Davis and ran a third touchdown in on his own.  RB George Randolph would add a fourth touchdown in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard power. 

Defensively, the Hit Squad forced Muskego QB Andrew Janatis into three interceptions and recovered two other fumbles.  Despite the turnovers, Jojo Moore was able to rack up 187 yards on the ground, including a 60 yard TD draw, becoming the first 100+ yard rusher against this defense in three years.  However, aside from Moore, the Hitmen were unable to muster anything else.

Madison did not escape unfazed.  Several Mustangs succumbed to the heat with cramps and other heat related problems.  WR Zak Gordon and TE Pat Rohde both suffered knee injuries and will be evaluated this week.

The win puts the Mustangs in the driver's seat for the NFC #1 seed.  They remain the lone remaining undefeated team in the IFL, one of only two undefeated teams in the state, and added to the nation's longest active winning streak at 31 games.  They have also retained the #1 ranking in the WISemiPro.com Power Rankings.

#1 Madison (7-0) returns home this week to face the upstart Junkyard Dogs from West Bend (6-1).  The Dogs' only loss came at the hands of the Hitmen 28-27 several weeks ago.  Kickoff is set for 7PM at Breitenbach Stadium at MIddleton High School.  The game will also be broadcast on ESPN Madison 100.5 FM and can be seen live on WISC's Channel 14 (check local listings).

You can catch more info about the Madison Mustangs at madisonmustangsfootball.com.