The Pioneer Mustangs will head out to challenge the Overfelt Royals at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Pioneer took a loss when they played away from home last Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 29-14 win over Del Mar. The Mustangs' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Colton Bermillo
| 10/24/25 vs Del Mar | 113 |
| 09/05/25 vs Leland | 110 |
| 08/29/25 vs Aragon | 102 |
| 10/17/25 @ Piedmont Hills | 53 |
| 09/26/25 vs Live Oak | 46 |
| + 3 more games |
Colton Bermillo was a one-man wrecking crew as he rushed for 113 yards and one TD on only 11 carries. He has become a key player for Pioneer: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least 80 rushing yards, but 2-3 otherwise.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Pioneer was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 248 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2024.
Another reason for the win was Pioneer's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Edward Olvera, Bryce Coats, and Matthew Wheeler, who each picked up one sack apiece.
Meanwhile, even if it wasn't a dominant performance, Overfelt beat Silver Creek 22-17 on Friday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Royals.
Overfelt didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Ricky Bermudez and Eric Plascencia. Bermudez got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
The victory got Overfelt back to even at 4-4. As for Pioneer, the win also got them back to even at 4-4.
Thursday's contest might be decided on the ground. Pioneer has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 158.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Overfelt struggles in that department as they've been averaging 151.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Pioneer and Overfelt were almost perfectly matched up in their previous meeting back in November of 2024, but Pioneer suffered an agonizing 18-17 defeat. Can the Mustangs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
