Coming off their first home win, the Minarets youth Senior team (2-2) was edged in the last seconds of last Saturday's game by the Orange Cove Titans 36-31.

Mustang running back Luke Tovar scored on his second carry of the game, a 20-yard run behind great blocking. Christian Conti added a two-point PAT, and Minarets was quickly out in front 8-0. Following a two-point safety from the Mustangs defense (10-0 Minarets), Orange Cove kicked off to a waiting Tovar who zig-zagged his way through the Titan defense for a 75-yard TD to put the Mustangs up 18-0.

After the kick-off, Orange Cove put together an impressive drive and scored but the PAT was unsuccessful.

The Mustangs were closing out the final seconds of the first half when quarterback Nolan Laforge gave up an interception that was returned for an Orange Cove TD. The Titans defense would return another fumble for a touchdown before the contest was over.

Tovar had 168 all-purpose yards in the first half, but was held in check most of the second half as the Titan linebackers keyed on the talented running back for the remainder of the game. Although double, sometimes triple teamed, Tovar was able to break a couple long runs for another 95 yards in the second half. He finished with four TDs on the day, giving him 14 in just four games. His last score of the game came with 2:49 left in the game.

The Mustangs turned the ball over four times during the game, allowing the Titans to remain within striking distance. Following a 30-yard Titans kick-off return, Orange Cove had great field position at the Mustang 45.

Twice on the Titans final drive of the day, they faced fourth and 18, only to convert for the first down each time. With seconds remaining on the clock, the Titans punched it in from two yards out to hand the Mustangs the loss.

"What a heartbreaker," coach Bob Tovar said. "The whole game was an absolute battle ... we lost to a good team. If not for the four turnovers, we win by 20."

Saturday the Mustangs travel to play the Parlier Panthers (1-1). Look for Tovar and the Mustangs to add to their impressive numbers as the Panthers have surrendered 90 points in two games.

The Mustangs Junior team (2-2) got their first home win of the season, 20--19 over Orange Cove.

Paul Antonius, Adrian Pon and quarterback Cody Woolsey all had touchdowns for the Mustangs. The difference in the game, a failed Orange Cove extra point with 2:20 left to play in the game.