Mandarin Mustangs punched their ticket to the next round of the Class 6A playoffs by knocking off the #7 Crestview Bulldogs in a punishing ground affair for the Mustangs. Mandarin’s balanced attack and resolute defense proved decisive, helping them trample Crestview to keep their postseason journey alive.
Mandarin entered the game with a strong 9–1 record, riding a wave of momentum after a marquee win over St. Augustine. Crestview, with a 6–3 record, traveled north looking to make a statement and early on they did when they recovered a fumble for the game’s first touchdown.
Trailing 7-0, the Mustangs displayed both physicality and precision patiently sticking to their game plan, as they were without 5-star wide receiver Brysen Wright. Their ground game, anchored by Shaunqueze Foster, was dominant — a familiar story for a Mustang team that had averaged over 230 rushing yards per game in recent weeks. Foster gouged open creases, converted key first downs, and kept Crestview’s defense on its heels. He ran for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game.
Tough running by @Quezefoster throw in a personal foul and it's first in goal at the six @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/H9oXp75PMw
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) November 14, 2025
Foster wasn’t the only one who paved the way on the ground. Running back Kyree Wilson scored their first touchdown on a long scamper. Wilson ran for 77 yards and a score in the playoff game.
Mandarin answers with a 50 yard run by @KyreeWilson8 7-7 8:00 to go in quarter 1 @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/qbZCLbzWO5
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) November 14, 2025
The rushing assault continued as Mandarin also struck on the ground with Senior running back Ayden Owens made his mark with a touchdown. Even when the Crestview defense tried to load up against the run Mandarin’s ability to establish the edge in the trenches gave them a critical edge in the game.
Mustang Running Backs can’t be stopped @ExclusiveAo with the TD @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/Thc2zP52M1
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) November 15, 2025
Defensively, Mandarin was equally impressive. Their front seven set the tone early, winning battles at the line of scrimmage and limiting Crestview’s ball carriers. Crestview, which had leaned heavily on its run game throughout the season, found it difficult to establish sustained drives — forcing them into third-down situations that the Mustangs readily clamped down on.
Special teams momentum also tilted in Mandarin’s favor, as they made crucial conversion plays and kept field position under control. Crestview’s attempts to flip the field were thwarted at critical moments including a blocked field-goal by Mandarin.
Not much going right for Crestview tonight, Mandarin blocks a field-goal attempt we go to halftime 28 to 7 Mustangs @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/bfI1QXphYW
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) November 15, 2025
As the game wore on, Mandarin built a two-score cushion and leaned into their strength — a punishing ground game, complemented by timely passing and a defense that refused to let up. Chris Harrison got into the end zone, and was the fourth running back in the game to do so.
The fourth Mandarin running back to school tonight, Chris Harrison takes it in to make the score 42 -7 @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/iZaBmKH6SM
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) November 15, 2025
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard told the story: the Mustangs advanced, their playoff dream very much alive defeating Crestview 42-7. Players and coaches poured onto the field in celebration, knowing this win was a major step forward proving they can win in many different ways.
For #2 Mandarin, the victory underscored their identity — a physical, well-coached squad that can run the ball, pass when needed, and defend with discipline. Their 9–1 record and their postseason performance reflect a program that has built depth and a rushing attack built for the postseason. They face #3 Pace in round two of the Class 6A Regional Semifinals.
