CRESTVIEW — The tears flowing down the face and cracking voice of Shoal River Middle School football Coach Ryan Gillis told the story Thursday night.
After six years of helping build the Mustang football program, and two years of falling short in the Okaloosa County championship game, Shoal River had climbed the mountain.
Shoal River Middle School-Davidson Middle School football photos>>>
Jr. McGlaughlin rain for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries to help lead the Mustangs to a 20-10 win over cross-town rival Davidson.
The Mustangs finish the year a perfect 9-0.
“I can’t describe it,” Gillis said of the championship feeling. “It’s been a long time coming. To watch these kids grow up and finish it when we didn’t get it done last year (is special).
“This was our goal our whole year and these kids stayed after it and had a great year. I’m a good coach because I coach great football players.”
While McGlaughlin was sparking a Mustang attack that rolled up more than 200 yards in total offense the Shoal River defense was taking care of business on its side of the ball.
The Mustangs held Davidson to 85 yards in total offense and just 24 yards rushing.
Shoal River defenders Rawson Mack and Devon Gallardo came up with interceptions as well.
The Mustangs took the lead they would never relinquish with 1:53 left in the first quarter when McGlaughlin scored on a 5-yard run. Jack Corbin hit Marcus Purcell for the 2-point conversion and the Shoal River was in business.
A 26-yard run by McGlaughlin with 7:00 left in the second quarter pushed the Mustang lead to 14-0.
McGlaughlin, a seventh-grader, was quick to share the credit with his teammates.
“I felt good,” he said. “My teammates were blocking for me and I followed them.
“It feels good.”
The Panthers (4-5) picked up their first score of the night when they trapped Corbin in the end zone for a safety after a Derek Peoples’ punt pinned Shoal River inside its 5-yard line.
Jay Stanton finished off the scoring for the Mustangs with a 2-yard run midway through the third quarter.
Davidson’s only touchdown came with two minutes left in the game when Austin French powered into the end zone from two yards out. The French touchdown was set up by a couple of long passes from Chad Hayes.
The first pass went to Peoples and covered 26 yards. The second pass went Devin Voisin and set up a first down at the Mustang 3-yard line. Hayes connected with Peoples for the 2-point conversion to close out the scoring.
“The kids played hard,” Davidson coach Chris Small said. “I’m proud of this bunch. At the first of the year I wasn’t sure how many games we were going to be able to win so I’m very proud of them.”
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mustangs take first football title (PHOTOS)