Mustangs cruise to 55-18 win in conference opener

HASTINGS, Neb. – The Morningside football team opened its 2023 GPAC schedule with a 55-18 win at Hastings Saturday afternoon.

The Mustangs scored 14 or more points in each quarter except the first to roll to victory. K.J. Williams put Morningside on the board in the first quarter with a one-yard score, and Trent Lane helped the Mustangs double their lead with a one-yard touchdown of his own early in the second quarter. Lennx Brown, who scored the game-winner against Benedictine two weeks ago, joined the party with a 12-yard rushing touchdown of his own to put Morningside up 21-0 after a quarter and a half.

Hastings scored nine points in the final minute of the half to make it 21-9 at halftime.

Morningside didn't have much going offensively early in the third quarter, but a 44-yard fumble return from Brayden Cleeton and an 85-yard interception return from Dijion Walls made it 35-9 Mustangs after three quarters.

Lane scored his second touchdown of the game with 13:15 to play. A Laken Harnly reception from Cash Parker made it 49-9 Morningside with 7:37 to play, but the Mustangs weren't done yet. 

A Hastings fumble recovered by Harden gave Morningside the ball back, and Bryson Freeberg scored on the following play. A blocked extra point was return for two points for Hastings, but the Mustangs led 55-11.

The Mustangs split snaps at quarterback, as Brown started the game, and Parker switched in. Brown threw for 130 yards on 11-of-19 passing. He added 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Parker threw for 153 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Lane led the Mustangs with 82 rushing yards on 18 carries and two scores. Freeberg added 45 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Receiving, Zach Norton hauled in eight passes for 83 yards. Griffin Kraft added 83 yards on two receptions. 

Defensively, Haden Mendel totaled seven tackles, including two tackles for loss, to lead the team. Cleeton and Chase Harden each recovered a fumbles and Walls had an interception. 

Morningside is back in action against Mount Marty Saturday at Elwood Olsen Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.