Football Game Preview: McCool Junction Mustangs vs. Dundy County-Stratton Tigers

The McCool Junction Mustangs will face off against the Dundy County-Stratton Tigers at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. McCool Junction has given up an average of 31.3 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

McCool Junction is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Arcadia/Loup City, sneaking past 44-42. The high-scoring effort was just what the Mustangs needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.

Carson McDonald

Rushing Touchdowns

10/10/25 vs Centennial	4
09/26/25 @ Mead	4
09/12/25 @ Freeman	4
10/23/25 vs Arcadia/Loup City	3
10/03/25 @ Heartland	2
+ 2 more games

Carson McDonald had another great game (as he tends to do), rushing for 138 yards and three TDs, while also throwing for 105 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He is becoming a predictor of McCool Junction's success: when he posts at least two rushing touchdowns the team is undefeated (and 1-2 when he doesn't). Colby Yates was in the mix too, providing the Mustangs with two scores.

Meanwhile, Dundy County-Stratton strolled into their game on Thursday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They blew past Elkhorn Valley, posting a 49-6 victory. The score at the end of the third wound up being the final score as the Tigers just coasted through the last quarter.

On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Dundy County-Stratton's defense and their three sacks. Leading the way was Noah Zoltenko with two.

McCool Junction's win bumped their record up to 7-2. As for Dundy County-Stratton, their victory bumped their record up to 9-0.

Friday's game might be decided on the ground. McCool Junction has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 223.1 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Dundy County-Stratton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 265.5 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.