Besides the Germantown Red Devils, the Houston Mustangs have been the hottest team in the Bluff City heading into the playoffs.
After a one-point loss to the Red Devils in week three, Head coach James Thomas and the Mustangs went on a seven game run to end the season with an eight and two record.
Their only other loss came against South Panola, who went nine and one this season.
Over the course of their run, Houston handed Tupelo their first loss and ended the season with an emphatic 42-28 win at Collierville, clinching the two seed in Region 8 6A.
"I feel like we are peaking at the right time," said Thomas ahead of their first round matchup with Dickson County. "Obviously took some hard lessons from a couple tough losses to some good teams. Knocked off seven in a row on the way to the playoffs and got the two seed in Region 8 6A so I'm feeling good about our chances."
The Mustangs are led by junior quarterback Chandler Day.
The gunslinger threw for over 1,600 yards and complied 24 total touchdowns in the regular season.
He can break a defense down with his legs but if teams give him time in the pocket, he will make them pay.
"So this will be his third set of playoffs," said Thomas. "He's a real leader now and we are happy to have him as our signal caller."
Day believes playing arguably the toughest schedule in the state will help the Mustangs in the playoffs.
"We've played a lot of tough opponents coming up and on the road," said Day. "So I think it just builds confidence with our team. A lot of guys are stepping out of their shells and becoming big-time players."
Running back Damon Sisa is one of those big-time players.
Sisa is this team's X-factor.
He is one of the most dynamic backs in the Bluff City.
His effectiveness takes some of the pressure off of Day and allows the QB to catch the opposition off guard on the play-action.
Dynamic receiver, DJ Miller is also an impact player.
Statistically he is one of the best wideouts in the city.
He has 11 touchdowns and averaged 78 yards per game in the regular season.
The Mustangs got off to a flying start in the playoffs with a 47-0 shutout win over three-seed Dickson County (6-5).
Four-seed Collierville (8-4) pulled off a last minute 23-22 win over one-seed Clarksville (10-1), so the Dragons will play at Houston next Friday night in a week 10 rematch.
In my opinion, that matchup next Friday night will be the best game in the state.
Each team is loaded on both sides of the ball.
After the Mustangs trounced the Dragons 42-28, head coach Joe Rocconi and Collierville will have extra motivation heading into the matchup.
