In what may have been their most dominant victory in decades, Livingston rolled up the yardage and points on their way to a 62-13 stampede Friday over the Houston Austin Mustangs at Lion Stadium.
Leaving no doubt of the game’s outcome by halftime, the Lions enjoyed a 56-6 advantage and had registered 446 total yards after two quarters.
"We wanted to come out and jump on them quick and see how they handled some adversity," Lion coach Tucker Carter said. "We have been trying to throw the first punch in all of our games and really put pressure on people. I thought our physicality on both sides shined through."
Taylor Haynes has become the engine in the offense, and Friday was no different. The junior tailback rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns of 45, 10 and 97 yards. However, he was also a standout on defense, intercepting three passes and returning one of them for another score. To make the stats even more impressive, all of it was accomplished in the first half.
"We studied all week for this and we knew we had to keep pushing," Haynes said. "I know that I worked all offseason for this and I will continue to. I am looking forward to the next week against Liberty."
Sophomore quarterback Jax Ruiz continued his growth, completing 9-of-11 passes for 189 yards and three scores. Two of those went to Zayden Martin for 67 and 20 yards, while the third was for 47 yards to Zyleer King.
King had 120 total yards and an interception on defense, while Whit Jackson rushed for 93 yards on six totes.
On defense, Livingston claimed six turnovers, including Andrew Preciado returning an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, and Cade Randolph forcing a fumble.
With a lopsided score, the two teams played under a running clock throughout the second half.
“I told the kids, ‘How many times in your life has someone come in and got after you and not felt sorry for you?’ That is what we have to develop, some type of instinct,” Carter said. “You shouldn't feel bad about winning a football game on Friday night. I'm proud of the kids for trying to put the pedal to the metal a little bit and finish, and still be physical, and still play to a standard, jog on and off the field, and be a great teammate.”
