The PCM Mustangs delivered a commanding performance on Homecoming night, defeating the Albia Blue Demons 54-0 in a Class 2A District 7 matchup on October 6, 2023. The fifth-ranked Mustangs showcased their offensive strength and defensive prowess, marking their first shutout of the season and securing a playoff berth.
Strong starts often set the tone for a game, and PCM wasted no time establishing dominance. The Mustangs surged to a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, effectively controlling the game thereafter. The hosts accumulated an impressive 259 rushing yards on just 26 carries throughout the contest, with eight players contributing to the scoring effort.
Lewis Daye Jr. initiated the onslaught with a 20-yard touchdown run, followed by a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chase Wagaman to receiver Gavin Steenhoek. The trio of Daye Jr. and Steenhoek found the end zone again in the first quarter, with Daye Jr. scoring from 7 yards out and Wagaman connecting with Steenhoek for a 22-yard touchdown.
The scoring continued into the second quarter, where Easton Morris added a 14-yard touchdown run just seconds into the period. Wagaman then made his mark on defense, returning an interception for a touchdown—a remarkable 45-yard pick six that added to the Mustangs’ commanding lead.
The second half saw Ryker Clark extend the lead with a 48-yard touchdown run, followed by Chase Masterson’s 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, finalizing the score at 54-0. This marked the first career varsity touchdowns for both Clark and Masterson.
Wagaman completed 2 of 6 passes for 59 yards, contributing two touchdowns through the air and demonstrating his versatility with 13 rushing yards on his only carry. His performance has positioned him among the top players in Class 2A, with 19 touchdowns tied for fifth in the classification and 13 passing touchdowns tied for seventh.
Steenhoek, a standout for the Mustangs, caught both of Wagaman’s touchdown passes, totaling 59 receiving yards. He ranks fourth in Class 2A with 533 receiving yards and leads the class in yards per catch at 21.3. His eight receiving touchdowns are tied for second in the classification.
Daye Jr. had a productive night, amassing 78 yards on 12 carries and scoring two touchdowns. Clark achieved a career-high 102 rushing yards on seven carries, while Morris also had a notable performance with 64 rushing yards on four carries.
The Mustangs’ defense was equally formidable, with Gavin Gibbs leading with a career-best seven tackles. Dylan Beyer and Clark contributed five tackles each, while multiple players recorded career highs in tackles, showcasing the team’s depth and tenacity on defense.
Dominic Witt excelled on special teams, executing all eight kickoffs for touchbacks, leading Class 2A with 37 touchbacks this season. He also successfully converted 6 of 6 point-after attempts, further solidifying the Mustangs’ commanding evening.
Albia struggled to find momentum, rushing for 139 yards on 35 carries. Parker Hemann led the Blue Demons with 71 rushing yards, while quarterback Isaac Helm managed 51 yards passing but was intercepted once. Fletcher Mick was notable on defense, leading Albia with six tackles.
With this victory, the PCM Mustangs improved to a record of 5-1 and maintained an impressive 3-0 in district play. They have now won six consecutive games against Albia, scoring at least 50 points in five of those outings. The Mustangs continue to build momentum as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
