Williams, Stars rally to top Needles

In a game of penalties, turnovers and defensive prowess, both offenses had trouble gaining their footing from the outset.

Agassi Prep (4-1, 3-1 Division III Southern League) trailed 6-0 in the fourth quarter and faced third-and-long on its 14-yard line. But Williams raced untouched for an 86-yard touchdown run to tie the score. Alex Placido-Reyes’ extra point gave the Stars their first lead.

The score shifted the momentum. The Stars defense stifled the Mustangs on their next possession, and Agassi Prep then drove 65 yards on six plays to score on a 1-yard run by quarterback Stephan Laushaul. Laushaul rushed for 89 yards.

Down 14-6, Needles (2-2, 2-1) was forced to pass, which led to the Stars’ third touchdown of the fourth quarter when junior defensive back Deishuan Booker intercepted Aidan Shaver and returned it 55 yards for a score.

The Mustangs had held opponents scoreless for 11 consecutive quarters until Williams’ touchdown. Agassi Prep’s defense kept the team within striking distance by holding the Mustangs to 20 yards rushing in the second half.

Needles enjoyed more success in the first half, driving close enough to attempt three field goals. Sophomore kicker Mauricio Santos made his third attempt of the half, from 38 yards, to give the Mustangs a 3-0 halftime lead. Santos, who attempted six field goals in the game, hit a 41-yarder with 9:38 left in the third quarter to give Needles the 6-0 lead.

Junior running back Kobee McCorkle led the Mustangs with 62 yards rushing on 17 carries.