HEPPNER – For the state’s 2A football teams, here is a scary fact. The last time the Heppner football team was on the wrong side of a score was Nov. 2, 2018. On that day, the Mustangs fell to Kennedy in a first round playoff game, 0-34.
Fast forward over three years and the defending 2A champions are pushing to make a repeat performance in the state championship game after taking care of Regis, 43-8 in the first round of the 2A state playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Heppner had the game well in hand by the half, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and adding 29 points in the second quarter. The Mustangs turned every possession in the first half to points on the board. With starters on the bench, the Mustang defense gave up the eight points in the final minutes of the game.
Heppner quarterback Landon Mitchell was conservative in the passing game, completing 4-of-5 for 45 yards and three scores. He also rushed for 28 yards and found the end zone once.
The bulk of the ground game went to Brock Hisler with eight carries for 42 yards and one score while adding an additional touchdown receiving. Caden George ended his night with three carries for 29 yards.
Both Derrick Smith and Jace Coe also added receiving scores.
Hisler also led the Mustang defense against Regis with six tackles. Derrick Smith added five tackles and Ty Boor had four tackles. Caden George recorded an interception.
The win advances Heppner to quarterfinal play on Saturday, Nov. 11 as the Mustangs host the Weston-McEwen TigerScots with kickoff scheduled for 1 pm. The Mustangs and TigerScots met earlier this season with Heppner taking a 39-0 victory on Oct. 1.
