The Loboes fumbled the ball five times, including three on kickoffs, and watched the Andrews Mustangs remain perfect with a 41-13 trouncing Friday at the Mustang Bowl.
“We started off rough,” Andrews quarterback Eric Kelton said, “but we have a lot of hustle and once we got it going we weren’t going to be stopped.”
Andrews (4-0) didn’t record a first down until 11:44 left in the second quarter, but it didn’t matter as Kelton scored from 5 yards out for a 7-6 lead shortly before halftime.
Then the mistakes began.
Monahans’ Clay Anthony returned the ensuing kickoff 7 yards before fumbling. Tommy Fredderick recovered and two plays later Michael Reid scored from 21 yards out for a 14-6 halftime lead.
“The defense impressed me a whole lot compared to last year,” Kelton said. "As an offense we feel we have to return the favor and put points on the board."
Kelton and Reid hooked up on a 12-yard screen pass for a score on the Mustangs first drive of the second half and then the Loboes handed out another gift.
Malachi Melton recovered the third fumbled kickoff for the Mustangs and six plays later Kelton scored on an 8-yard run to put Andrews out front 28-6.
“We were just on,” Reid said. “They did a poor job of tackling and you can’t do that. Plus our offensive line did a great job.”
Andrews’ stellar defense forced a three-and-out and Andrews went on another scoring drive as Reid scored from 41 yards out and the rout was on.
“Our line, once they got it going I was impressed,” Kelton said. “Michael was running his heart out. He’s a stud. He runs his heart out all the time.”
Monahans appeared to be moving the ball midway through the fourth quarter, but fumbled and Adam DeLaCruz recovered.
Nine plays later, Reid scored his final touchdown of the night on a 12-yard run to put an exclamation point on a decisive victory.
“It’s the coaching,” he said. “We had a good week of practice. Our defensive coach put us in good positions and our offensive coach called the right plays.
“It feels pretty good. The last few seasons have been rough, but I am proud of us.”
Reid finished with 145 yards rushing on 16 carries with the three touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 14 yards and a score.
Kelton rushed 22 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns and finished 8-for-14 for 213 yards passing and a score.
Monahans was led by Stephen Neel’s 81 yards rushing on 16 carries.