A Season for the History Books

December 16th, 2025 O'Neals, CA Nicole Alas, Reporter

Football Season Recap

This football season was unforgettable and one that will forever be written into school history. The Mustangs finished the regular season with a 9–1 record and concluded the year 13–2 overall. For the first time in school history, Minarets won the Valley Championship and advanced to the state playoffs in the same season.

The year was also marked by individual achievements. Senior Caden Larsen finished the season ranked No. 1 in the state for receiving yards, while Torin Wolf earned Offensive Player of the Year honors. From the start, it was clear this team was special.

Under the lights and ready for battle Photo by Kaydance Musacchio

The tone for the season was set early during the first home game against Sierra, where the Mustangs dominated with a 60–6 victory. That momentum carried into Homecoming, where a packed crowd watched Minarets edge out Caruthers in a thrilling 35–27 win.

The team continued its winning streak until facing Liberty, suffering a 35–10 loss that became a turning point in the season. The Mustangs responded with renewed focus, earning a historic 36–26 win over Chowchilla — the first victory over them in school history.

Senior Night was an emotional and memorable evening, honoring 15 senior players who left a lasting legacy: Andrew Mellon, Torin Wolf, Hunter Staggers, Andre Anthony, Caden Larsen, Brody Escobar, Hezekiah Muñoz, Mario Cosio, Matthew Carlton, Angel Ortiz, Jonathan Hamblet, Percy Hammond, Dane Corkins, Anthony Rice, and Ethan Schaffer. Surrounded by family and supporters, the Mustangs closed the night with a commanding 49–14 win over Parlier.

Senior Ethan Schaffer (#65) reflected on the season, saying, “It doesn’t matter how big you are — it matters how big you play.”

The regular season concluded with dominant road wins at Yosemite High School. Junior Varsity shut out Yosemite 42–0 to finish 9–1, the best JV record in school history, while Varsity secured a 46–0 victory to match that historic 9–1 regular-season record.

Entering the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Division 6, the Mustangs had one goal: win the Valley. The team grew from 30 to 44 players and powered through early playoff rounds before facing Boron in the semifinals. In front of an energetic crowd, Minarets secured a 36–7 victory, punching their ticket to the Valley Championship game for the first time.

The championship game against Orosi was intense from start to finish. Heavy fog covered the field, but it didn’t slow the Mustangs. With the crowd on its feet and the game tied late, Minarets sealed a 21–14 victory as the clock expired. Players celebrated as Coach Shannon Pulliam was drenched with water, championship gear was handed out, and a new banner was earned for the campus. More than 2,000 fans attended, and the moment was captured by Fox News.

Tonight was ours to remember. Photo by Kaydance Musacchio

Senior Torin Wolf (#9) shared, “Our football team worked very hard all offseason with one goal in mind, and that was a Valley Championship. Once we finally got there and won it, there was no better feeling.”

The Mustangs advanced to state regionals, hosting Winters High School under cold, foggy conditions. Despite an early touchdown by Winters and a tough 25–12 loss, the season ended with pride and accomplishment.

Although the outcome wasn’t what the team hoped for, this season stands as the most successful in Minarets football history. The growth, resilience, and unity shown by the players will not be forgotten.

Senior Jonathan Hamblett (#51) reflected, “Football built me as a man. As my brothers sharpened me, I sharpened them. I’d go win it all again and again with my brothers if I had the chance.”

A special thank you goes to the coaching staff for making this historic season possible. Head Coach Shannon Pulliam shared:

“I’m so proud of this great group of young men. They proved that hard work and commitment to your craft pays off. The first football section championship in school history is something that can only happen once, and these boys claimed it for themselves. Hosting and playing all playoff games at Minarets was a special privilege. What a joy it was to watch them play in front of our supportive community. Let’s do it again. Go Mustangs!”

Congratulations to Mustang Football on a season that will be remembered for generations.

Written by Nicole Alas

Edited by Josephina Emerson and Avani Cheema

Photos by Kaydance Musacchio