The only obstacle between Overton and its first district title since 1995 is a victory at Maud on Friday.

The Mustangs (5-3, 2-0) defeated the Detroit Eagles this past Friday, 34-13, in a District 10-A Division II contest to put them at the top of the league standings. That was Detroit's first loss of the season. Overton and Maud (4-4, 2-0) are tied atop the district standings entering Friday's game. A win likely allows Overton to finish 4-0 in district with a home date vs. winless Union Hill looming next week.

"As coaches, we've preached not accepting losing, and no mediocrity. That you have to be disciplined in football, and in life," said first-year Overton coach Josh Barton. "All year, the kids have talked about being the first playoff team since 2005, to win the district for the first time since 1995. Before the Detroit game, I told them to expect to win, rise to the calling."

Overton RB/LB Jesse Roach. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Overton RB/LB Jesse Roach. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Barton says quarterback K.J. Luster is a big reason for the Mustangs' success. Luster has thrown for 905 yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing for 160 yards and three scores directing the Mustangs' pistol spread offense.

"He's really emerged. Very athletic, very precise," Barton said. "He's an intelligent kid. Mostly he's our on- and off-the-field leader."

Receiver Damion Dennis, who averages 21.8 yards per catch, has been Luster's favorite target. Dennis has 15 catches for 327 yards and four touchdowns.

Tailback Jesse Roach is "as tough as they come," according to Barton. The senior ball-carrier leads the team in rushing yards (564) and touchdowns (8), and is the second-leading tackler at inside linebacker.

"Jesse does virtually everything we ask of him," Barton said. "Without hesitation."

Eric Hatton is second on the team with 273 yards and a touchdown on 55 carries. Dennis is one of five Mustangs with at least seven receptions, joining Alex Yancey, Julian Herndon, Jeffery Phillips, and C.J. Long. Yancey is second on the team with 11 grabs for 199 yards and two touchdowns.

Playing on the road has been tough for Overton, which is 1-3 away from home. With that in mind, Barton instructed his Mustangs to approach Friday's pivotal 10-A D-II contest at Maud as if it were at Chester Roy Stadium.

"We are preaching fundamentals, execution, and treating this road trip as if it were a 50-mile drive to the field here in Overton," Barton said. "We are 4-0 at home, so maybe that'll help. Anything for the win."

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