The Marble Falls Mustang varsity 7-on-7 football team is off to a blazing start after competing in only two tournaments.

The team opened the season at a state qualifier in Round Rock. The event was sponsored by Westwood High School and 24 teams took part. They started the tourney in pool play, downing the host team 28-17, defeating Lockhart 35-20 and blasting Dripping Springs 52-12. After winning their pool, the Mustangs went on to beat Anderson High School 40-34. They finally tripped up in the semifinals by losing to Cedar Park 33-26.

The Mustangs took home the third-place trophy, and in the process qualified for the state tournament.

League play started in Marble Falls on Tuesday night, with five teams in the varsity division of the Hill Country Passing League. In the opening round, Marble Falls stepped on the toes of Llano with a 42-12 victory. The Mustang offense was clicking, and their defense was stout.

The Mustangs opened the game with a Justin Garcia touchdown catch. On Llano’s first possession Cooper Bowen intercepted a pass and returned it for another score. The Mustangs soon led 21-6 after the first 20-minute half.

Austin Sparks, J’Vante Blanchard and Steven Castillo all caught touchdown passes in the second half for the Mustangs.

In game two, Marble Falls met up with 5A powerhouse Westlake, a team known for their slick moving offense. Westlake moved the ball down the field quickly in their first drive and converted a fourth down pass for the first score of the game. Their extra point attempt was incomplete.

The Mustangs came right back with a score of their own, finding Cameron Venghaus for six points. The extra point made it 7-6 Mustangs. On the Chaparrals’ ensuing drive, a Mustang interception was returned for a quick six. Another touchdown by Sparks gave the ‘Stangs a 20-6 halftime lead.

The second half was evenly matched, with each team scoring twice. Bowen and Morgan were on the receiving end of the TD passes for the Mustangs, who went on to win the game 34-18.

Game No. 3 was the closest and most physical of the night, when the ‘Stangs matched up with their old rival Burnet. The Mustang defense played a very important role in the game, stopping two fourth and goal pushes at critical times.

The first big stop came on the opening drive of the game. Burnet moved the ball down to the three-yard line where the ‘Stangs stifled them, forcing a turnover on downs. On the Mustangs’ first play from scrimmage, Garcia caught a 45-yard touchdown pass.

Two more scores by the home team marked a 20-0 gap on the board early.

Bowen was the only Mustang to score in the second half, but Burnet slowly crept back with two more scores. The Mustangs held on to take the win 27-18.

Marble Falls holds a 7-1 record after two tournaments.