The PCM Mustangs concluded their season with a narrow defeat to the Wilton Beavers in the Class 2A quarterfinals on October 27, 2023. After leading 17-0 at halftime, the Mustangs ultimately fell 21-17, as the Beavers mounted a significant comeback in the second half. This victory secured Wilton’s second consecutive appearance in the semifinals.
In the first half of the match played in Monroe, the Mustangs showcased a strong defense and effective offense. Lewis Daye Jr. opened the scoring with a touchdown run, followed by a career-best 41-yard field goal from Dominic Witt. Chase Wagaman added a short touchdown run, ensuring a comfortable 17-0 lead by halftime.
The tide turned in the second half, with Wilton rallying to score 21 unanswered points. The Beavers narrowed the gap to 17-8 by the end of the third quarter. They then scored a touchdown with 7:19 remaining in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 17-15. With just 1:36 left on the clock, Wilton clinched victory with a game-winning touchdown.
Wagaman had a solid performance, completing 15 of 22 passes for 160 yards and one interception. He also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 51 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. Daye Jr. finished the game with 92 yards rushing on 25 carries, bringing his season total to 1,097 yards, ranking him tenth in Class 2A.
The Mustangs’ passing game was highlighted by Gavin Steenhoek, who recorded 85 yards on five receptions. Jaden Houser also had a standout performance, catching six passes for 38 yards. The Mustangs rushed for a total of 181 yards in the game but averaged only 3.7 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Mustangs were led by Jax Strait, who made 10 tackles. Trent Nickelson also had a career-best performance with 9.5 tackles and two tackles for loss. Other notable defensive contributions came from Mason Hjortshoj with 6.5 tackles and Harrison Brinegar with six tackles. The Mustangs managed to secure three interceptions, with Wagaman leading the team with two picks, maintaining his position as the leader in Class 2A with eight interceptions for the season.
Wilton’s offense was spearheaded by Gunner Edwards, who threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns, despite tossing three interceptions. Noah Gray was instrumental in the Beavers’ running game, rushing for 80 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries. Hayden Hill also made a significant contribution with 68 yards on the ground.
The Beavers’ defense matched the intensity of their offense, with Gray, Hill, and Thatcher Murguia each recording 10 tackles to lead the defensive effort. Wilton heads into the semifinals with a seven-game winning streak, having previously reached the 1A semifinals last season.
As the Mustangs reflect on their season, they can take pride in their achievements, finishing with a record of 9-2. The heart-pounding quarterfinal match served as a testament to their competitive spirit and resilience throughout the year.
