By Sam Weiger / Contributor
Not only did Greenhill close out its home schedule with a 51-7 defeat against Houston Christian on Friday at Brinkmann Field, but the Hornets also lost their quarterback to an injury.
The Mustangs seized control of the game with big plays by elite kick returner Sam Cdebaca and capitalized on the Hornets’ miscues.
Cdebaca set up a Houston Christian field goal with a long punt return on the opening drive, then brought back the next punt for a score to give the Mustangs a 10-0 lead.
The Hornets (1-8) responded with their best offensive drive of the half. A big run by quarterback Ashton Gosselin brought Greenhill close to the red zone, but the momentum was stopped by an errant snap that led to a fourth-down turnover.
The Mustangs (3-6) took advantage. Jackson Angel got the ball to one of his playmakers, Dom Walker, who slipped past several defenders to reach the end zone and give Houston Christian a 17-0 lead.
However, Greenhill’s next drive was stopped on downs on its own 35-yard line, and on the ensuing possession, Gosselin was injured. He was replaced by Wesley Black, whose first drive resulted in a punt, which Cdebaca returned for his second touchdown.
“Special teams was the biggest challenge for us,” Greenhill head coach K.J. Williams said. “We gave up 20 points on special teams, so we need to find a way to own field position and also protect the end zone.”
Houston Christian extended the margin to 31-0 in the second quarter after returning an interception to the end zone. Of the four first-half touchdowns for the Mustangs, only one came on offense.
“We have a young football team, and we’re growing in some areas,” Williams said. “Some of these guys didn’t even play junior varsity, so Friday nights are when we’re learning the most.”
Midway through the third quarter, Black connected with Trey Davis for Greenhill’s first and only score of the game. But the momentum didn’t last long, as Cdebaca brought back the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown.
Greenhill will carry a four-game losing streak into next week’s season finale against unbeaten Arlington Oakridge. The Hornets have allowed at least 43 points in all four of those setbacks.
“They continue to fight all year. They have a really strong brotherhood,” Williams said. “We’re banged up in a couple of ways, but I want to see them keep this tight-knit group and grow on our culture.”
