Smoky Mountain made a statement last night as they recorded a 26-21 victory over the Tuscola Mountaineers.
The Mustangs opened up conference play against nearby rival Tuscola, and made sure that everybody knew they were ready to make a run to get back into the postseason for the second year in a row. They now sit atop the Western North Carolina conference by posting their first win of the season.
The Mustangs, led by quarterback Zeb Speir, laid out an offensive attack that left the Mountaineers playing catch up all night. Speir, son of WCU head coach Mark Speir, controlled the flow of the game by completing 11 of 19 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns, adding one rushing touchdown from three yards out.
Zach Beck, the breakout freshman for the Mustangs, made a statement tonight coming down with four receptions for 31 yards. More impressively, Beck had five rushing attempts for 121 yards, including a 76 yard touchdown run that put Smoky Mountain ahead for good. Beck is listed as the teams wide receiver, but is also the Mustangs’ punter, and had an impressive night on both sides of the ball.
Smoky Mountain has been looking for a good showing after four disappointing non-conference games, and finally put together a solid four quarters and showed plays they haven’t showcased until last night. The no huddle offense used by the Mustangs kept Tuscola on their heels most of the game, as it limited the defensive substitutions that the Mountaineers could make.
The Mustang defense made loud noises as they recorded a pair of interceptions late in the game to seal the victory, and had some large stops throughout the game.
The Mustangs look to add to their win total as they travel to West Henderson next Friday for their next in conference meeting.
