oaches Jerry Burkhart and Michael Brand were able to take a peek at the potential future of the Richland Springs Football Program as the Junior High Coyotes blasted the Olfen Mustangs last Thursday evening in Richland Springs. The roster, heavily laden with 6th graders, looked a lot smaller than the Mustangs who had several players who were definitely future customers of Billy Bobs’ Big and Tall Shop. The younger Coyotes were not intimidated. Brian Salinas and younger brother Jonathan, both newcomers to Richland Springs, looked like they were born to play six-man football, and someone forgot to tell Hutton Lusty and Jordan Burkhart that those guys outweighed them by 100 lbs.

Both Salinas brothers were big contributors in the Coyotes victory, with Brian, doing it all on offense and defense and Jonathan catching a TD pass and coming up with big plays on defense against the big Mustangs. Jacob Coleman had a great game with a touchdown catch and run and several key tackles on defense. Justin Patino was a stonewall on the defensive line stuffing the Mustang runners on numerous occasions. Hutton Lusty and Jordan Burkhart thought they were the biggest guys on the field recording many tackles for losses against the beefy Mustangs. Brandon Tharp, Chandler Lusty, Cody Pardy, Reid Blodgett, Jeremy Martin, Traven Day, and Matthew Bivins all played a role in the Coyotes victory.

SCORING DRIVES RECAPPED

Justin Patino recovered a fumble on the Mustangs first drive and Brian Salinas took it to the house on the Coyotes first play from scrimmage 62 yards. PAT Failed Coyotes up 6-0.

Jordan Burkhart recovers another Mustang fumble on the Olfen 15 yard line. Brian Salinas, sweeps left, cuts inside a Hutton Lusty block and eludes two would-be Mustang tacklers, at the 10 yard line, he starts looking for someone to run over, finds a victim at the three, and drives through him for the score. PAT blocked. Coyotes 12-0.

Mustangs score on a broken play. PAT failed. Coyotes 12 Mustangs 6.

Brian Salinas runs for 22 yards then throws a beautiful touchdown pass to brother Jonathan. PAT blocked. Coyotes up 18-6.

Both teams suffer turnovers and then the Coyotes stop the Mustangs on fourth down on a great tackle in the backfield by Hutton Lusty. Brian Salinas flips a quick pass to Jacob Coleman who stretches out his long legs and outraces the Mustangs to the endzone. PAT Blocked. Coyotes 24 Mustangs 6 at the half.

On the second play from scrimmage Brian Salinas blasts 35 yards for a touchdown and then kicks the PAT. Coyotes up 32-6.

Brian Salinas strips the Mustang ball carrier and recovers yet another fumble and then tosses a pass in the flat to Jordan Burkhart, who weaves his way into the endzone from 41 yards out. PAT kick is good. Coyotes 40 Mustangs-6.

The Mustangs return the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. Coyotes 40 Mustangs 12.

Brian Salinas sweeps the left side for 32 yards and a touchdown and then adds the PAT kick. Coyotes 48-12.

Mustangs return the kickoff for another score. PAT failed. Coyotes 48 Mustangs 18.

Brandon Tharp sweeps the right side for 13 yards and then Hutton Lusty slams up the middle, is hit at the 12 yard line and kicks through the tackle and scores. PAT kick is good. Coyotes 56 Mustangs 18.

So the future could be bright for the Coyotes, maybe more Championships on the horizon? Coach Burkhart may have to start wearing toe rings. Ya think ?

The 2-0 Junior High Coyotes are scheduled to take on the Gustine Tigers at Coyote Field this Thursday at 6:00 PM