Football Game Preview: Nixon-Smiley Mustangs vs. Young Men's Leadership Academy

The Nixon-Smiley Mustangs will face off against Young Men's Leadership Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

Nixon-Smiley blew Natalia out of the water the last time the pair played, but on Friday Natalia got their revenge. Nixon-Smiley fell just short of Natalia by a score of 18-15. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last five times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.

Garet Gonzales

Receiving Yards

10/10/25 @ Natalia	104
09/12/25 vs Flatonia	56
09/26/25 @ Cotulla	38
09/05/25 @ Three Rivers	34
08/29/25 vs Luling	29

Despite their loss, Nixon-Smiley saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Eric Rodriguez, who rushed for 71 yards and one score on only seven carries, and also threw for 122 yards and one touchdown, was perhaps the best of all. The bulk of those rushing yards came from one huge play: a run that gained an incredible 60 yards. A healthy portion of that aerial production (104 yards to be exact) went to Garet Gonzales, who also brought in a receiving touchdown.

Meanwhile, Young Men's Leadership Academy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their sixth straight defeat. They were dealt a 42-0 loss at the hands of Karnes City.

Young Men's Leadership Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 0-6. As for Nixon-Smiley, their loss dropped their record down to 4-2.

Nixon-Smiley came out on top in a nail-biter against Young Men's Leadership Academy when the teams last played back in October of 2024, sneaking past 21-19. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Young Men's Leadership Academy's Raishaun Conaway, who rushed for 113 yards and three TDs. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for the Mustangs to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.