The Mandarin Mustangs kicked off their season with a strong 42–20 road victory over the Creekside Knights, asserting their dominance early and building a commanding lead into the second half. Mandarin’s balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense proved too much for Creekside to handle.
Mandarin jumped out to a modest lead with 9 points in the first before exploding in the second quarter with 20 unanswered points—capping the first half at 29–7. By the end of the third, the Mustangs had extended their advantage to 36–13. Though Creekside made some adjustments, scoring in both the third and fourth quarters, Mandarin put the game away with a late rushing touchdown to reach the final 42–20 scoreline.
Mandarin scores on they're opening Drive capped with a 2 yard touchdown run by @Quezefoster @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/q85xCHrgwS
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 22, 2025
Running back Shaunqueze Foster led the ground game, piling up 102 yards on just 14 carries and punching in two touchdowns, anchoring a massive rushing attack that totaled 325 yards. Signal-caller Knox Annis added a steady presence in the passing game, throwing for 144 yards with one touchdown to Tian Wyche in the second quarter.
Mandarin TD @KnoxAnnisqb to @that_boy_tian for 40yds Mandarin up 22-7 @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/zo1iracXpB
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 23, 2025
Creekside kept it close early thanks to a touchdown catch by wide receiver Aaron Tsataros who skied over the Mandarin defender for the score. Harrison Leddy capitalized for the Knights, throwing the 8yard touchdown pass with 4:46 to go in the first quarter. Although the Creekside 7-6 lead over Mandarin would be their last.
Harrison Leddy capitalizes for creekside throwing at 8 yd TD pass. 4:46 to go in the first quarter Creekside 7 Mandarin 6 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/MvKzyNftYT
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 22, 2025
Mandarin’s defense made key plays throughout. Four star Miami commit Brody Jennings and Brysen Wright each intercepted a pass, providing crucial momentum and turning points for the Mustangs. Defensive leader Israel Ratliff put in a standout performance—recording two sacks, forcing a fumble, and tallying five tackles, including three for a loss at linebacker.
The big swing came late in the second quarter when Brysen Wright returned his interception for a pick-6, pushing the lead to 29–7 heading into halftime. Wright also led Mandarin in tackles with 8 on the night.
Creekside driving, only to be sorted by the best in the world @bfye904 for a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown mandarin up 29-7 at half @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/nC1k9zzudt
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 23, 2025
Wright, who is rated a 5-star wide receiver and the #1 wide receiver in the nation, made game changing plays on both sides of the ball versus Creekside. On offense, Wright caught a second half touchdown from quarterback Malik Morrison.
Malik Morrison to @bfye904 for the score @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 36-7 mandarin pic.twitter.com/XPs7spGVcm
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 23, 2025
He also made potentially the catch of the season. A spectacular grab which saw him leap over two Creekside defenders to miraculously come down with football. Wright seemed to make the right play at the right time, helping to lift his team to victory.
That play, coupled with consistent ground success, set the tone early and forced Creekside into passing situations that opened the door for Mandarin’s defensive takeaways. Wright played a key role in those takeaways. Everyone has seen his exploits on offense, but Friday they got a glimpse of his abilities on defense. That could be a cheat code for Mandarin this year.
Highlight catch by The Best in the World @bfye904 @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/iexlNSPQeL
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 23, 2025
With the win, the Mustangs improved to 1–0 and will next face Atlantic Coast this Friday night at 6:30 p.m. Creekside falls to 0–1 and prepares for a visit from Nease on August 29.
Photos by Paul Simpson (Strikeout Photography)
