Through the Fog: Minarets Battles to a Playoff Victory

December 1, 2025 O'Neals, CA Josephina Emerson, Editor in Chief

This last Friday, the Mustangs battled the Orosi Cardinals in an epic home playoff game that felt like a movie scene from start to finish. The dramatic atmosphere was set by the thick blanket of fog that rolled over the field before kickoff. As it settled over the stadium lights, fans hurried through the gates, packing the stands to support the opposing teams. Despite the low visibility, the stands were so full that traffic stretched down the road as families and friends rushed to get inside.

Everyone wanted to be there for this game.

Through the fog, our Mustang mascot rallies the crowd! Photo by Linden McDougald

From the first whistle, Minarets fed off the energy of the crowd. The Mustangs struck first in the opening quarter when quarterback Torin Wolf connected with Matthew Carlton on a 25-yard touchdown pass, putting Minarets up 7-0. Their defense held strong, even through the fog, forcing turnovers and shutting out the Cardinals’ offense.

In the second quarter, things continued to look up for the Mustangs as Wolf found Caden Larsen in the end zone for another Minarets touchdown, driving the lead to 14-0 by halftime. Orosi threatened late in the quarter, pushing all the way down to the 5-yard line, but the Mustang defense stopped them just before time expired.

Determination in every stride: Minarets Mustangs on a mission Photo by Linden McDougald

Chaos struck in the second half when Orosi surprised everyone with an onside kick and recovered it, quickly turning it into a touchdown and tightening the score to 14-7. The Mustangs were filled with determination. Wolf led Minarets down the field once again, finishing the drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown to make it 21-7.

Orosi, holding their own, scored once more late in the third quarter, making the score 21-14. But Minarets held their composure. The fourth quarter was a defensive battle, the fog growing thicker as the game went on as the teams pushed through gritting drives. Minarets’ running game chewed down the clock, and the defense locked in when it mattered most.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Mustangs held on for a 21-14 victory, earning a huge playoff win in front of one of the largest and most energetic home crowds of the season.

From the traffic outside the gate to the roar of the stands echoing through the fog, it was a night Minarets fans won’t forget, and a game the Mustangs truly fought for.

Written by Josephina Emerson

Edited by Josephina Emerson

Photos by Linden McDougald