A big, fast South Stanly Rebel Bull (3-1) football team capitalized on six North Moore turnovers and posted a 58-0 win over the Mustangs Friday night.

The game was the first on the road for the Mustangs this season.

"A lot of our kids were excited to play their first road game of the season," North Moore head coach Butch Cleaveland said, "but when they got on the field and saw how big and how fast South Stanly was, a lot of them got big eyes and may have been a little intimidated."

The Mustangs (0-4) offense sputtered again turning the ball over six times, and Cleaveland said it is imperative for his team to find some offensive balance as the team enters conference play.

Turnovers have plagued the Mustangs this season. The team has turned the ball over 16 times in four games. In those games the Mustangs have been outscored 142-14, or by an average of 35-3. Friday's shutout loss was the second of the season.

The Mustangs lost the season opener 25-0 to Princeton.

"We probably threw the ball more (Friday night) than we have all year, but that is because we had to," Cleaveland said. "We've got to find someway to run the football."

The Mustang running attack has been held under 75 yards in each of its four games.

Despite allowing 58 points, Cleaveland said his defense performed well against a bigger, faster Rebel Bull team.

"I am real excited about what our defense can do against a team closer to their ability," Cleaveland said. "Last night (Friday) we'd get a stop or two and then when they needed a big play, they just threw the ball deep to their Division I player (highly recruited wide out/defensive back Terry Shankle). He's got 4.2 or 4.3 speed (in the 40-yard dash) and we don't have anybody near that fast."

On a night when there were few standouts for the Mustangs, Cleaveland said linebacker Carl Thomas caught his eye.

"I'm not sure if he led the team in tackles or not, but I know he led the team in big hits," Cleaveland said.

Mustang captain Lyle Barnett left the game with an injury. Cleaveland said his senior wide receiver/defensive back will be re-evaluated Monday.

The Mustangs will take to the road again Friday night when they travel to South Davidson.

The Mustangs' next home game is an Oct. 6 homecoming game against Chatham Central.

Contact Tom Embrey at 693-2477 or by e-mail at tembrey@thepilot.com.