The PCM Mustangs find themselves in a familiar position as they prepare to take on the Wilton Beavers in pursuit of a spot in the state semifinals. Ranked No. 2 in Class 2A, the Mustangs are just one victory away from their second consecutive trip to the Dome. Wilton, entering the matchup with an 8-2 record and riding a six-game winning streak, presents a formidable challenge.
Head coach Greg Bonnett recognizes the threat posed by Wilton. “I think Wilton is a very good team,” Bonnett stated. “I”m very impressed with several of their players, and their fullback will be the best we have seen all year. These guys are coming off a great year last year, and they just kept it rolling.”
Last season marked Wilton”s best performance in 17 years, finishing with a 10-2 record before falling in the 1A state semifinals. Their two losses this season came from strong opponents: a 42-20 defeat against the 1A No. 3 ranked Iowa City Regina and a narrow 21-20 loss to the 2A No. 4 Mid-Prairie. Both teams are also competing in this week”s quarterfinals. Wilton has also secured wins against teams with lesser records, including a 19-14 victory over 5-5 Sigourney/Keota and a 38-23 win against 3-6 West Liberty. In contrast, PCM defeated these teams decisively, winning 47-18 and 42-8, respectively.
Wilton”s offense is spearheaded by junior Gunner Edwards, who has accumulated 1,487 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while also rushing for 394 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Noah Gray adds to the ground game with 809 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, and senior Hayden Hill has contributed 532 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Beavers” passing attack is diversified, featuring multiple players with at least 28 receptions.
Bonnett emphasizes the importance of physicality in facing Wilton”s run game. “Being physical up front and striking blocks is going to be critical when dealing with their run game,” he explained. “Their offensive line is physical, quick, and tenacious. They have a couple of backs that keep their feet moving, and their quarterback can pull it and do some damage as well. If we totally load up for the run, they will be able to pass for sure. They have a combination of big receivers and quick ones, so they like to throw short to get you coming up and then throw one deep.”
Defensively, the Beavers boast several two-way players. Senior Gatlin Rogers, who has 29 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns, leads the defense with 60.5 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Hill has also been a standout on defense with 61.5 tackles, while junior Bryer Putman has recorded eight receiving touchdowns and five interceptions, including one pick-six. Senior Gabe Brisker leads the team in receptions with 30 and has also secured six interceptions. The Wilton defense has produced 59 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and four fumble recoveries, ranking tied for second in Class 2A with 19 interceptions.
The Mustangs have one of the top special teams units in Class 2A. Senior kicker Dominic Witt leads the class with 62 touchbacks, has made all four of his field goal attempts, and is 50-of-51 on PATs. Senior Gavin Steenhoek has also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, contrasting with Wilton, who has yet to return a kickoff or a punt for a touchdown and has only attempted three touchbacks. Wilton ranks second in two-point conversions with 21.
“Special teams become more and more important the deeper you go in the playoffs,” Bonnett noted. “It”s something we are emphasizing this week. We feel like we have some stuff to clean up after last week”s game.”
