Football Recap: Deshaun Thomas Key Part of Team Effort in Mustangs Win

Merritt Island barely beat Viera the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Mustangs blew past the Hawks 35-14 on Thursday. The Mustangs have beaten the Hawks the last four times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Hawks has come to flipping the script.

Deshaun Thomas

Rushing Touchdowns (Career)

10/30/25 @ Viera	3
08/23/24 @ Impact Christian Academy	2
10/17/25 @ Titusville	1
09/12/25 vs Palm Bay	1
08/22/25 vs Cocoa	1

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Merritt Island to victory, but perhaps none more so than Deshaun Thomas, who rushed for 53 yards and three scores, and also picked up 47 receiving yards. Those three rushing touchdowns gave Thomas a new career-high. Kevin Verpaele was another key player, rushing for 38 yards and one touchdown.

Although Viera took the loss, they still got scores from Derek Schmadeke and Eric Nelson.

Merritt Island's victory bumped their record up to 6-3. As for Viera, their loss dropped their record down to 6-4.

Looking ahead, Merritt Island will square off against Eau Gallie at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Viera does not have any more games scheduled as of now.