FRIONA- One thing is for certain through the first three weeks of the 2023 season. The Muleshoe offense can flat out score.
For a third straight game, Muleshoe put up 48 points as the Mules put up points early and often on the way to a 48-28 convincing victory over rival Friona on Friday night.
The Mules are off to a 3-0 start to the year while the Chieftains are still trying to find their footing falling to 0-2.
Muleshoe scored on all five first half possessions and wasted no time doing it by getting a 90-yard kickoff return to start the contest from freshman Josue Sigala who put his name on the map setting the tone for a 7-0 lead. The Mules never looked back from there. On the next possession, quarterback Nathan Martens hit a dart to Yahir Quezada who sprinted by the Friona secondary for a 32-yard score and it was quickly 14-0 with 4:57 left in the first quarter.
After getting the ball right back, Muleshoe was in the endzone once again when running back Daniel Sianez punched his way in for paydirt from 4-yards out extending the advantage, 20-0 to end the opening period.
“We were very focused and just went out and played our game,” Muleshoe head coach Jason Richards said. “Our offensive staff does an unbelievable job. We had a great game plan and had a great script the entire first half. Friona is a tough place to play, and they are a great program. I’m just happy to get this first road win.”
Friona did cut into the deficit off a Cade Seaman 31-yard scamper as the Chieftains closed the gap to 20-7. But that didn’t slow down Muleshoe. The Mules immediately responded when Sigala found the endzone for the second time busting loose on a pitch play and using his blazing speed to go 61-yards as the lead was pushed back at 26-7. Martens then connected on his second TD pass of the half to Sebastian Kirvin to close the half giving the Mules a commanding 34-7 lead at the break.
“We’re really clicking right now,” Martens said. “We’re playing with a lot of energy, and I feel I’ve come a long way with the offense and as a leader. But we have so many weapons. We don’t have a weakness. The line is amazing, we have great receivers and running backs.”
“Josue and Daniel complement each other,” Richards said. “They both play defense, they both have speed, but Daniel is going to pound on you during the game then you have to chase Jose. That makes for a great combination in the backfield. It’s a good 1-2 punch, but Jose has great vision and he’s learning the position. Once he’s in the open field he can go.”
Martens went 11-of-17 for 144 with a pair of TDs. On the defensive side, Arnold Morales was in on 18 tackles, nine of those solo to lead Muleshoe. Despite the loss, Friona running back Cade Seaman did his best rushing for 218 yards on 29 totes with three scores.