What happened: Midland Christian rallied for a 31–24 victory over Fort Worth Christian on Friday, Oct. 17, in a district home matchup. The Cardinals opened with an early touchdown, but the Mustangs quickly answered with an 18-yard field goal to get on the board. Fort Worth Christian extended its lead to 14-3 before Midland Christian swung momentum back with a 35-yard rushing score, closing the gap to 14-10.

Just before halftime, Jaxon Franco powered into the end zone to give the Mustangs their first lead. The Cardinals recovered the ensuing onside kick and hit a 45-yard field goal as time expired, sending the teams into halftime tied 17–17.

Midland Christian took control late in the third quarter with a 31-yard touchdown pass to go ahead 24–17. Then the Mustangs capitalized on a short field in the fourth with a 15-yard rushing touchdown for a 31–17 advantage. Fort Worth Christian answered with a 41-yard rushing score to pull within seven, but the Mustangs’ defense made key stops down the stretch to secure the win.

The big picture: The victory lifts Midland Christian to 5–2 overall and 2–0 in district, keeping the Mustangs among the top contenders in TAPPS Division II District 1. The team has relied on balanced offense and timely defensive plays to stay in control of key matchups as postseason contention heats up.

Go deeper:

  • Tackles: Coy Hayes – 10; Stacy Jones – 5; Reid Larson – 5; Brady Young – 5; Cadyn Bishop – 5
  • Sacks: Brady Young – 1; Isaiah Mathews – 1
  • Interceptions: Caleb Cruz – 1; Cutter Smith – 1

What’s next: Midland Christian travels to Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal on Friday, Oct. 24, for a key district test against the undefeated Saints.

Mustangs rally to top Fort Worth Christian 31–24