Nearly two decades ago when it joined Colorado’s largest classification, Mullen was an immediate hit, a flashy, offensive-minded team led by freshman quarterback Ryan Clement that was the prelude to years of free-wheeling play.
Fast forward to 2009 and discover that the Mustangs still make it happen offensively, but their most glowing aspect is a snarling, quick, ballhawking defense that is capable of making it difficult for the rest of Class 5A.
Finally playing a home game in 2009, the defending state champions defeated visiting Overland 28-0 in the Centennial League with a defense that would have made any border patrol proud.
The Mustangs, top-ranked in The Denver Post/9News 5A poll, improved to 5-0 overall, 4-0 league, and didn’t allow the Trailblazers (3-2, 1-2) to get past midfield until 3:46 remained in the third quarter. It was also Overland’s only trip into Mullen territory in being held to 76 yards of offense.
“That’s as good of a defense as there is,” said veteran Overland coach Tony Manfredi, who has 195 career victories. “I don’t know if anybody can put two scores on them, three scores . . . They have guys who sit who could be playing, but they just don’t have room for them. They do a great job.”
Mullen was on Overland as if the Trailblazers stole its lunch money. True, Overland was without quarterback Ky Rodriguez (concussion) and speedy running back Michael Hall (high ankle sprain), but the Trailblazers punted the first four times they had possession and aren’t easy to shut out.
“The coaches were talking that this could be the best defense we’ve had, but there’s a long way to go,” Mullen senior defensive lineman Sammy Wood said. “We’re just excited. Even if we get an injury or two, our backups have been getting a lot of time.”
Wood, Tyler Henington, Beau Martin and Nduka Onyeali, All-Colorado by The Denver Post in 2008, were a wall against Overland’s veer.
Offensively, Mullen struck for three touchdowns in the second quarter, mostly fueled by running back Adonis Ameen Moore (two touchdowns, 120 yards). Quarterback Jonny Miller threw for a touchdown as did backup Cyler Miles, although the Mustangs were flagged for nine penalties, an annoyance that coach Dave Logan, 44-2 in the Centennial, knows must be fixed.
“It was good to finally get here,” he said of his team’s first home game. “The defense was good again and we moved the ball, but we need to eliminate our mistakes.”
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
