For the first time since 2001, the Plum Mustangs snap a 13-game losing streak against their rivals, the Gateway Gators, with a gritty 23-14 victory at Antimarino Stadium. Mustangs quarterback John Nonnenberg leads an explosive aerial attack, connecting with Sloan Humphries for a 57-yard touchdown and finding Samaj Robinson for a 50-yard score. Plum’s defense and special teams prove to be the difference-makers, as Benjamin Stricklin snags a crucial interception to set up an Austin Kolankowski field goal, and Charles Hart (CJ Hart) capitalizes on a muffed punt with a short touchdown run .
The Gators, playing without starting quarterback Elvis Koutsakis, Jr., rely on junior Jackson Smith, who impresses in his first start by rushing for an 18-yard touchdown. Gateway stays in contention late when freshman quarterback Mayson Mitchell enters the game and throws a touchdown pass to Shawn Moorefield Jr., who breaks multiple tackles on his way to the end zone. Despite the late surge and strong defensive play from Wendell Hall and Michael Burroughs, the Mustangs’ defense, led by Landen Ekiert, holds firm to secure the historic win.
