The Los Medanos College Mustangs won their last home game of the season in dominant fashion, powering past San Joaquin Delta 49-20 to improve to 8-1 on the season. After trailing early in the game, the Mustangs erupted for 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to secure their third straight victory, and improve to 3-1 in Bay Valley Conference play.
The Mustangs’ explosive offense showcased why they are considered one of the best in the league, piling up 600 total yards against San Joaquin Delta. This came through 346 on the ground and 254 through the air. Quarterback Aidan Crawford had a huge day, throwing three touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown, his second of the season. Explosive running back trio Kevin Fowler, Jordan Barbadillo and Aikiz King all hit the pay dirt in the dominant victory, continuing their amazing season on the ground.
However, the game was not always smooth sailing for the Mustangs. Delta opened the scoring with a defensive touchdown, returning an interception for a touchdown midway through the first quarter. But the Mustangs bounced back fast as Crawford connected with Darryl Pouncey for a two-yard touchdown, before finding Ryan McKendry from 20 yards out to take a 14-7 lead that they would never give back. Delta stayed in it early, using a pair of field goals and a long touchdown run from Kiaza Calhoun to make it 20-21. Just before halftime, McKendry struck again on a 12-yard grab that gave LMC a 28-20 lead right before halftime.
Then came the fireworks. The Mustangs came out of the locker room on a rampage, outscoring Delta 21-0 in the second half. Fowler broke loose for a 6-yard score, Crawford snuck one in from a yard out and King capped the offensive onslaught with a short touchdown to make it 49-20. The Mustangs defense was just as impressive in the second half as the offense, holding Delta scoreless the rest of the game forcing multiple punts and turnovers.
After the game, head coach Chris Shipe praised his players for taking control when it mattered most.
“Our offensive line kept telling me to run the football, and I listened,” Shipe said. “They were confident, and I trust those guys. We ran the ball well, our receivers blocked well, and our running backs ran like they’re supposed to. That was a big positive for us today.”
The Mustangs’ defense also got credit from Shipe for setting the tone after halftime. “Our defense played really well all game,” he said. “They really only gave up one big play. In the second half, they executed perfectly. Credit to our defensive staff and players for keeping the pressure on.”
Wide receiver Tristan Berena, who had a 26-yard catch and multiple strong kick returns, said the win meant more than just another victory in the standings.
“Oh man, it means everything,” Berena said. “We did it together as a team, as a family. Brotherhood was important for all of us. The coaches, the players, we all trusted each other. That’s what made the difference.”
Berena said the key moment came when the Mustangs fell behind early.
“When we were down, we knew how to face adversity as a team,” he said. “We stuck together, stayed focused, and trusted the coaches to put us in the best spots. That’s what led to that 21-0 second half.”
With one regular-season game left at Contra Costa the red hot Mustangs are focused on finishing strong. “It’s about ourselves,” Shipe said. “We just have to worry about ourselves, practice hard all week, and be prepared for next Saturday.”
Los Medanos now stands at 8-1 overall and 3-1 in conference, looking like a high-powered offensive machine.
