Madisonville’s defense helped keep the Mustangs in the game Friday with a pair of fumble recoveries in the first half and a late stop that gave the ball back to their offense down three. They went up against Colorado University commit Owen McCown and a relentless passing attack in the 31-28 defeat.

Members of the Madisonville High School Life Skills class perform the National Anthem at Mustang Stadium prior to Friday’s football game against Rusk. Pictured are (from left) DaByreious Jordan, Hannah Shadle, Christian Wilson, Curtis Ledbetter, Michael Wilson and Kevin Villicana.

Members of the Madisonville High School Life Skills class perform the National Anthem at Mustang Stadium prior to Friday’s football game against Rusk. Pictured are (from left) DaByreious Jordan, Hannah Shadle, Christian Wilson, Curtis Ledbetter, Michael Wilson and Kevin Villicana.

Madisonville Junior High Cheerleader of the Week Whitney Wakefield poses at MHS Thursday. COURTESY PHOTOS The entire squad was awarded the Varsity Cheerleaders of the Week honor for their performance at MHS Friday during the Mustang football game against Rusk.