Mustangs take aim at win streak in push for playoffs
The Express-news Game of the Week is a District 29-6A matchup between Jay and Harlan.
Harlan, the Expressnews’ third-ranked 6A team, is 8-0 after beating Holmes 49-12. Jay, the Express-news’ sixth-ranked 6A team, is 7-0 after beating Holmes 53-25 back on Oct. 5.
Jay vs. Harlan
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Farris Stadium
E-N area rankings/ records: Class 6A No. 3 Harlan (8-0, 6-0); No. 6 Jay (7-0, 5-0)
Coaches: Jay’s Gary Gutierrez (44-62 in 11 seasons at Jay, 70-108 in 18 seasons overall); Harlan’s Eddie Salas (49-18 in seven seasons at Harlan, 53-49 in 11 seasons overall).
Series: Harlan leads the series 3-0
Last meeting: Harlan won 47-27 in 2022
Jay breakdown
Setting the scene: The Mustangs are off to one of their best starts in a decade. Since 2013, Jay has only won seven or more games once (2017).
The Mustangs’ success can be credited to their bevy of seniors and familyoriented culture. Coach Gutierrez said he’s known many players since they were six. This has allowed Jay to establish an identity of a tough-nosed team.
Key to victory: The Mustangs must run the ball well to beat Harlan.
The team’s rushing attack is led by running back Jack Mota, averaging 8.32 yards per carry. Mota is a physical runner who is a good pairing for dualthreat quarterback Jackson Gutierrez, averaging 12.96 yards per carry. Statistical leaders: Passing — Jackson Gutierrez 50 of 81 for 823, 19 total TDS; Jack Mota 97-807, 12 TDS; Dylan Gordon 27-359, five TDS.
Harlan breakdown
Setting the scene: The Hawks have one of the most balanced teams in the San Antonio area with a 2,300-yard passer, four 200-yard or more runners, and a 783-yard wide receiver. The Hawks’ ability to beat you multiple ways has led them to an undefeated record this season.
Key to victory: Harlan’s defense needs to be physical at the line of scrimmage to beat Jay, which the team proved it could do in its win versus Sotomayor.
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Noah Farris and wide receiver Payton Matthews have taken the top of the opposing defense all season, and they will need some explosive plays to beat Jay. Statistical leaders: Passing — Noah Farris 134 of 219 for 1,138, 30 total TDS; rushing — Taveion Ford 61-378, four TDS; receiving — Payton Matthews 54783, 11 TDS.