The Backyard Brawl, The Magnolia Bowl, The Mayor’s Cup. Whatever fans want to call the annual matchup between Magnolia and Magnolia West, there is no doubt that when game day rolls around the atmosphere around it is huge.

The cross-town rivals met again on Oct. 14 and, after the clock expired, Magnolia West had rolled off a 45-7 rout of Magnolia. Mustang running back Desmond Richards racked up 151 yards rushing and three touchdowns, as the Mustangs improved to 6-1 and 3-1 in District 17-4A.

Photo: Magnolia West’s Zeke Bronson (left) attempts to tackle Magnolia’s Jordan Turnbow (right) during Magnolia West’s 45-7 victory over cross-town rival Magnolia on Oct. 14.

 Magnolia coach Andy Sexton said the game was a learning experience for his young squad.

“It’s obviously not the results we wanted,” Sexton said. “We made some mistakes early and it kind of snow-balled from there.”

The Bulldogs took the opening kickoff and were promptly hit with several drive-killing penalties which forced them to punt, giving the Mustangs a short field.

On Magnolia West’s first play from scrimmage, quarterback Tyler Anderson connected with Tyler Resendez on a 48-yard touchdown bomb and the rout was on.

After trading punts, Magnolia seemed to have a good drive going, until the West defense barreled through the Bulldogs offensive line for a couple of sacks.

After a short drive Richards ran it in from 10 yards out to put Magnolia West up 14-0. Richards immediately followed that up with a beautiful 45-yard romp for a score on the Mustangs next possession.

Leading 21-0, Magnolia West attempted an onside kick and recovered. The Mustangs immediately drove downfield for another score, pushing the lead to 28-0.

Anderson got his second touchdown pass of the night, finding Tyoka Neal in the end zone for a 12-yard score and a 35-0 Mustang lead. Magnolia West kicker Andrew Struthers added a field goal later in the quarter, to take a 38-0 lead into halftime.

Magnolia West coach Shawn Bell kept his starters in the game to open the second half and Anderson immediately drove the team downfield for their final score. Anderson found Justin Williams from 14 yards out putting the Mustangs up 45-0.

Magnolia was able to avoid the shutout, as quarterback Chase Gragert outran the Mustang defense for a 66-yard touchdown run for the final score of 45-7.

The win propelled Magnolia West to 6-1 and 3-1 in district play, while Magnolia fell to 3-4 and 2-2 in district play.

The Mustangs hosted Stratford on Oct. 21 and the Bulldogs traveled to Waller for district contests. Results were not available as of press time.

Photo Courtesy Kenneth Taunton

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