Team Preview: Cypress Ranch Mustangs

The Cypress Ranch Mustangs ended with a 7-3 record under Coach McAullife and finished second in the district last season. The team was impressive on both sides of the ball, with the offense averaging almost 35 points a game, relying on a very good run game. Defensively, the Mustangs showed pure dominance, only allowing 14 points per game. Coach McAullife and his staff return many key players this upcoming talent, with athletes and playmakers everywhere you look. The Mustangs are a team who have a very good chance to fight for the district title and make a deep playoff run. With so many players returning with key experience, the expectations will be high for the Mustangs but know that they are up for the challenge. <span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Key Returning Players:</strong></span> <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">RB Kameron Burton - 5’9" - 185 (2022)</span></strong></span></em> Burton is a hard running back who shows great athleticism out of the backfield. Burton shows great initial burst and fights for every yard. He has extremely reliable hands and shows very good elusiveness in the open field. Last season Burton ran for 542 yards with 6 rushing touchdowns and also had 11 receptions for over 100 yards receiving. Burton will once again get his touches and he will not disappoint. He is definitely a player to watch for this upcoming season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12571569/5fc854f86656410868531036" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">RB Dillon Eugene - 5’7 - 170 (2022)</span></strong></span></em> Eugene shows very good explosion through running lanes and uses his speed very well to get to the outside of defenses. Eugene looked very good in the passing game, making big plays after short receptions. He shows very good skill and will be able to put them on display some more this upcoming season. Eugene ran for almost 200 yards last season with 2 touchdowns. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11330056/5fdb8bad9677730ab087574a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>QB Blake Baker - 6’4" - 190 (2023)</strong></span></em></span> Baker stands tall in the pocket with his 6'4" frame and delivers the ball where it needs to be. Baker shows very good athleticism on the zone reads and can catch defenses off guard with his running ability. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Baker managed to throw for 548 yards with 6 touchdowns, and also ran for over 150 yards with 4 rushing touchdowns. </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">It will be exciting to see what he does this season after gaining much experience of the field last year. </span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13525987/5fd5b47d066bbd0a48a72ff0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WR Dylan Caddle - 5’10" 170 (2022)</strong></span></em></span> Caddle had a very productive season last year both on special teams returning and receiving as well. Caddle is a sure handed target who proved to be very vauable lined up on the outside. He is a physical receiver who refuses to be knocked off of his route and makes the contested catches. Caddle finished last season with 16 receptions for 332 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. He will be a key in the Mustangs offensive success this upcoming season. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11329936/5fd97b7b64e9b710c4581aad" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WR Jarred Sample - 6’0" - 170 (2023)</strong></span></em></span> Playmaker Sample will be one to watch out for this upcoming season. Hw will be lined up everywhere, in the backfield, in the slot, and is also a fantastic return man on special teams. Whenever he touches the ball, there is a high chance for a big play. Sample is physical and will throw out blocks for his teammates to provide them open lanes without hesitation. He is a pure athlete who's play on the field will without a doubt contribute to the teams success. Remember the name. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14599431/5fde4572b3d27c10f479fca3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">OL [player_tooltip player_id="131469" first="Bryce" last="Simpson"] - 6’4" - 310 (2022)</span></span></em></strong> Simpson is an extremely physical lineman who shoots out of his stance with the intent of putting opposing players on the ground. He moves very well and is dominant when he gets his hands on players. Simpson is just as dominant in the passing game as he is in the run game. He does a good job at protecting the edge and his quarterbacks backside. Simpson will be one of the leaders to push his team in the right direction and he is a player who can definitely lead the way. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11330014/5fd5abed5cb320117801ce5d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>OLB/DB Alex Garcia - 6’0" - 195 (2022)</strong></span></em></span> Garcia is a very active player on the field, always finding his way to the ball. He will line up  in the secondary or in the box and will make plays wherever. Garcia has an incredible motor which gives his defense a spark, and will do whatever is asked to bring the team success. He is a guy to look out for on the defensive side. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11330003/5fdcdf942351800104c479d2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LB Teylan Nelson - 5’10" - 215 (2022)</strong></span></em></span> Nelson is a decisive backer who plays with much physicality and speed. He reads plays very well and reacts with great quickness. Nelson plays comfortably in space and is a secure tackler. He plays the run incredibly well and has terrific chase down speed. He finished last season with 72 tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11330246/5fd831a35cb320117803e836" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LB/DE Jonavon Dennis - 6’2" - 225 (2022)</strong></span></em></span> Dennis played his role as an edge defender very well, causing havoc with his pressures. He did an excellent job of containing, shedding blocks, and making plays. Dennis is a long athlete who has the potential to change a game with his play off the edge. He is a key returning core player for the Mustang defense. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11341411/605659e7ab9d060a30624f04" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id="136153" first="Christian" last="Brathwaite"] - 6’3" - 220 (2023)</strong></span></em></span> Brathwaite is already considered one of the states best linebackers due to his combination of speed and strength at a young age. Brathwaite is all over the field when he plays and is not afraid of the moment. He is a thumper with great athletic ability and feel for the game. He will draw many eyes and is a major contributor to the Mustang defense. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13062000/5fd689e5d4693c0b6c939b65" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DL Chibuikem Nwajuaku - 6’3" 250 (2022)</strong></span></em></span> Chibby is a quick lineman out of his stance who can dominate his opponent. He has very good hands and length and uses them to his advantage. Nwajuaka shows excellent awareness and reads plays very well. He is definitely a leader of not only the defense, but of the team and his play backs it up. His high motor is contagious and the team feeds off of it. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11329862/5fa1f99f8cdec90a843ee201" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><strong>DL Ashton Porter - 6’4" - 240 (2023)</strong></em></span></span> Porter is another top player in the class of 2023 who shined as a sophomore. An edge player with great size and length who shows tremendous strength and quickness. He made plays all over the field last season, leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss. Porter will look to continue his dominance and it will be exciting to see what he has worked on this offseason. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13717680/5fc680ddf327b70654e469a2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>