Throughout 2020, Mustang’s defensive unit had their hands full.
Facing squads, such as Owasso, Tulsa Union and Stillwater, they were tested almost every time they took to the field.
There were several nights that opposing offenses got the upper hand on the Broncos, who allowed 39 points per game. But the defense found ways to keep the team in the game for the most part.
However, as they get set to start the 2021 campaign, players, such as Cale White, want more than just keeping the team in the game. The senior linebacker wants to be a reason they are pulling out victories.
“I think last year we were learning from all that,” White said. “We took a lot of losses and we were learning as long as we were coming along. And I feel like that will project us to do way better this year. We all went through that, and now we’re going to persevere.”
With this being White’s final season in a Mustang uniform, he wants to help turn the fortunes of the team around. That means being a tone-setter and leader on the defensive side of the ball.
“I would like to just see the best out of myself, try and make every tackle, make every read, just be the best I can for my teammates,” White said.
At 5’10”, 190 pounds, White’s style of play matches what the Broncos want to do every game. That is attack the ball carrier with ferocity and make them feel it when they get there.
“I think I’m quick. I’m very quick with the reading and then getting places, I’m a very non-selfish player,” White said. “I don’t care who makes the tackle. I just want to shut it down and make sure it doesn’t get anywhere.”
That unselfish attitude will be key for Mustang High School, according to White.
“Coach has always been putting that into us,” he said. “Don’t be the guy to break the seam. You just keep the line and keep them contained.”
White will not be alone defensively. He will be playing alongside several players who have the ability to make big plays or big hits.
One of those is junior cornerback Jacobe Johnson. At 6’3”, 170 pounds, the junior has become a top prospect on the gridiron and the hardwood.
“I’m ready to get going,” Johnson said. “I’m excited for this year. We’ve got a good team. We have been working hard. I’m just ready to see how it’s going to pay off in the games.”
Johnson admits his first couple of years of high school ball was mostly done on athletic talent. But now he is understanding the game and how to make a bigger impact.
“I’ve been paying attention more since I’m going to be a junior,” Johnson said. “I have to start locking in. As a freshman and sophomore, I was just doing the stuff. But now that I’m getting older, I feel like I have to start locking in on everything and work even harder than what I did.”
Mustang will start the season Friday when they host Yukon in the Cornerstone Clash at Bronco Stadium. They will then face high powered offensive units from last year, like Stillwater, Norman North and Tulsa Union. Those early contests could be a barometer to just how much the defense has improved.
“We’re going to have to be physical,” White said. “We’re going to have to hit hard, be relentless and, overall, love each other up and believe in each other.”
“We’re going to have to be physical. We’re going to have to hit hard, be relentless and, overall, love each other up and believe in each other.”
- Cale White
Senior linebacker