Friendswood punches playoff ticket with 49-21 win over Kingwood Park

The start of the 2024 football season for Friendswood wasn't how head coach Jordan Johnson had envisioned as the Mustangs had a 1-5 record after the first six games.

But the 'Stangs have rallied to win the last three district game for a 4-5 mark and 3-3 in league play with one game left against Fort Bend Kempner (3-5, 0-5) which they are a heavy favorite to win.

The loss by Kingwood Park dropped them to 2-4 in the league standings so Friendswood's win pushed them in the fourth place slot to secure the final playoff spot.

Assuming that Friendswood will beat Kempner -- the Mustangs will finish with a 5-5 overall record and 4-3 in league play. Last season, the Mustangs finished 5-5 but missed the post-season so this season will mark the first time they will enter the playoffs under second-year coach Jordan Johnson.

It appeared that Kingwood Park would give Friendswood some competition as they led 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.

But the 'Stangs took control of the game in the second period and never looked back as they led 28-14 at intermission.

Friendswood stretched the lead to 42-14 at the end of three quarters and posted the 49-21 final score.

Quarterback Mikey Butler and wide receiver Garrett Muecke put on quite a show as they combined for four touchdown passes covering 18, 52, 24, and 40 yards for a total of six catches for 153 yards by Muecke for the game.

Others getting on the scoring action was running back Walker Winters who had 10 carries for 62 yards while scoring on a 2-yard plunge. QB Josh Brister scored on a 3-yard keeper while Tripp Bateman scored on a crowd-pleasing 37-yard touchdown.

Butler finished the game with 12 completions for 242 yards and four TDs.

The Mustangs offense finished the game with 394 yards.

Friendswood will close out the regular season by traveling to Mercer Stadium to face the FB Kempner Cougars on Saturday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m.