THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF MORROW HIGH SCHOOL
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Mustang Country!!
Flag Football Dominates
by Charles RIchardson, Staff Writer
September 18, 2025
The flag football season is off to an exciting start, and the Lady Mustangs are already making headlines with a big win and a hard-fought tie. I sat down with junior Neveah Williams, a rusher and blocker from the Class of 2027, to talk about her first year playing and her goals for the season.
When asked about yesterday’s games, Williams reflected on the team’s performance. “The game went fine. It wasn’t the best that we could do but it was alright, and we came out with the win versus South Cobb 20–18 and tied vs. Decatur 6–6,” she said.
As for her own play, Williams was honest but optimistic. “I feel like I didn’t play the best I could have, but my effort was definitely there. I’ll have to work my techniques to increase my presence and effectiveness on the field. I learned how it felt to be in the game as this is my first year playing flag football.”
Looking ahead, Williams noted that the team still has room to grow. “I think our team can definitely improve on studying the playbook, really getting familiar with it, and also reading the field. That would help us be very efficient,” she explained.
Her goals for the season are very determined. “My personal goals are to be the best that I can. I want to try to look like I have at least three years of experience because this is my third year in high school. For team goals, I want my team to make it to state. I heard we usually make it to the playoffs and lose the second round or so, so I want state.”
With Williams’ energy and determination, paired with the team’s resilience, the Lady Mustangs have their sights set on a strong season
Liberty Stumble, Valkyries Fall Short in WNBA Game 2 Thrillers
by Ashley Morgan
Three days ago, I sat on the edge of my bed as Game 2 of the WNBA first-round playoffs delivered a mix of excitement and frustration. On September 17, 2025, two pivotal matchups completely shifted momentum in dramatic ways.
In Brooklyn, the Phoenix Mercury stormed into the New York Liberty’s arena and stunned the home crowd with an 86–60 victory. Phoenix flipped the series on its head, evening things at 1–1. Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas each scored 15 points, while the Mercury’s relentless defense smothered the Liberty all night.
For New York, there had been hope—especially with Breanna Stewart gutting it out despite a sprained MCL suffered in Game 1. But her injury clearly affected her, and the Liberty’s offense never found its rhythm. Personally, I think Stewart should have sat out; pushing through can risk reinjury. Still, when you love the game, it’s hard to stay on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the Mercury thrived in transition, capitalized on turnovers, and dominated inside. Physically and mentally, they looked sharper. Now, with the series heading back to Phoenix for Game 3, everything is on the line.
Later that night in San Jose, the Minnesota Lynx edged the Golden State Valkyries 75–74 in a nail-biting finish. The game was a roller coaster of runs, comebacks, and near-misses. Napheesa Collier once again carried the Lynx, pouring in 24 points—including a clutch jumper with under two minutes left to give Minnesota the lead. The Valkyries had their chances but struggled to convert in the closing moments.
These results set the stage for decisive matchups ahead. Phoenix has a chance to rewrite the series, while Minnesota looks to prove it remains the team to beat. The playoffs are a grind, and both the Liberty and the Valkyries know what’s at stake.
Taylor Townsend:
Tennis Ties From Here
by C. Barker
Did you know that Clayton County Public Schools share a special connection with tennis greatness? Taylor Townsend, currently ranked No. 1 in the world in women’s doubles, is the younger sister of our very own science-based learning teacher, Ms. Symone Townsend not only is Taylor a powerhouse on the court, but she’s also a proud product of our school system. Her journey from Clayton County to global tennis stardom is a powerful reminder that excellence starts right here at home.
Tennis was introduced into her life at the age of 6, and her mother and older sister played alongside her. A joyful memory Ms. Townsend can recall is the early days of her sister playing tennis right-handed, albeit very clumsily. A drill to catch the ball continuously down the court left her falling in every direction till the racket switched to her left hand, she became unstoppable. A ritual before the tournament came to be as early as one of their first tournaments, "Little Mo," as Ms.S.Townsen packed all her tournament bags. Greatness came along as she trained in the USTA development program, leading her to major titles of the 2012 Australian Open Singles Junior Tournament and Double Title.
This accomplishment was astounding considering she was the second American to win the Australian title, along with the feat of winning both titles since Lindsay Davenport. This cemented her way to being ranked No.1 junior at 16-years-old. History was made when she was the youngest U.S. woman to advance to the third round at the French Open. “I really learned a lot this week. I’m so happy and fortunate I had this opportunity.” Her professional career, in its continuation, led her to the title of her first Top 100 win on the pro tour in 2013. Gratitude flashed all over her face.
The year is 2020, in the middle of an active court game, unexpected news of a child is delivered to T. Townsend. Plans for a child were not in her field of vision, but in her words, “ I asked myself, how is
this bad for you? And I kept saying, well, my tennis and I won’t be able to travel. I won’t be able to make money, and my ranking will suffer. And I was like, How is this bad for you? And I couldn’t answer it…. I’m a person of faith, and I believe that everything happens for a reason.”
The pregnancy was seamless as she performed active training while carrying! Real challenges were faced as recovery from the C-section procedure gave a variety of emotions. “I am such an independent person, so having to rely on other people to do even the most basic things for me literally made me break down and cry multiple times… My body’s changing. I didn’t know what was going on. So it was a crazy time.” Adyn Aubrey (nicknamed AJ), her love, light, and purpose, brought strength and resilience packaged in one. Although tennis as her sport divides the two in distance and time, she manages to toss guilt out the way. Connecting to nature by herself till she reaches back home to focus on quality time with her son. Additional love is sent when Ms.S. Townsend turns the TV on for his mother's matches. Leaving days were described as the time where she takes accountability, to make a promise of a trophy to arrive with her next time.
Those words are fully meant.
A mountain was overcome as she was ranked No.1 in doubles, through winning the 2024 Wimbledon and 2025 Australian Open women’s titles with Kateřina Siniaková. Their opponents, Su-Wei Hsieh and Jelena Ostapenko, with a score of 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-3 in the women's doubles finals, ¨"The last time I played on this court I was 15, and in 2012 I won the juniors here and that was the kick start.¨ A recent star-breaking moment was her performance at the 2025 US Open, with her sports partner Katherine Siniakova. ¨This has been a huge, monumental tournament for me. It’s really changed my life, and no matter the result, I feel like I've already won.¨ Compliments turn her head as other No.1’s across the world go out of their way to further inspire her competitive ways.
Taylor Townsend, the world’s No. 1 women’s doubles tennis player, has deep roots in Clayton County Public Schools—her older sister, Ms. Symone Townsend, is a beloved science-based learning teacher here. Taylor’s journey began at age six, with family by her side and a racket in hand. From clumsy right-handed swings to unstoppable left-handed dominance, she rose through the ranks, winning junior titles at the 2012 Australian Open and making history at the French Open. Her resilience shined even brighter in 2020 when she embraced motherhood, balancing elite competition with raising her son, Adyn Aubrey. With major victories at Wimbledon and the Australian Open alongside partner Kateřina Siniaková, Taylor’s story is one of grit, grace, and greatness—an inspiration born deriving from here.
FIRST MATCHES OF THE SEASON: MUSTANG WRESTLING HITS THE MATS
by: Candessa Baker & Tristan Watson
As the winter chill settles in, one sport gears up for a season built on strength, grit, and determination. Wrestling season is officially underway, and both JV and Varsity Mustangs opened competition with confidence. Their first scrimmage of the year, held at Rex Mill Middle School against Mount Zion High School, resulted in a dominant sweep for the Mustangs.
Head Coaches Mr. Martinez, Mr. Southley, and Mr. Brandon Warren continue shaping the team through discipline, technique, and championship-level preparation.
Wrestlers Reflect on Opening Day — October 28, 2025
To capture the excitement of the season opener, we spoke with several new wrestlers about how they felt before and after stepping onto the mat.
Before the Match
Karolina Ramirez (100): “I was really nervous.”
Jacob Paris (165): “I was very excited. I’ve been talking about it for a while.”
Arlene Aguilar Alberto (115 V): “Nervous for my first match.”
Lafayette Williams (175): “Ready to go—ready to wrestle.”
James Butler (165): “I was very nervous. It was my first match.”
Kenneth Capellan Polanco (106 V): “When I stepped on the mat, I felt undefeatable—calm and focused.”
Uriel Naranjo (138 V): “I didn’t feel much at first, but once I stepped inside, I was excited and nervous.”
Kentavious Tobler (144): “I was never nervous.”
After the Match
Ramirez: “I was happy it was over. I lost.”
Paris: “Amazing—because I won.”
Aguilar Alberto: “My first loss upset me, but I won my second match and felt good.”
Williams: “Best feeling in the world.”
Capellan Polanco: “Relieved. I didn’t know if I would win or lose.”
Butler: “I was happy I won my first match. I hope to wrestle like Xavier Hall.”
Tobler: “I was mad at first. Wrestling isn’t just fun and games.”
Naranjo: “That’s it? Surprising. It’s not that bad. Definitely going to keep moving.”
Ready for the Next Match? — November 8, 2025
Most wrestlers responded with a confident yes, ready to return to the mat with new energy — except for one honest and humorous “no.”
The early wins have boosted morale and raised expectations for the season ahead. The team now prepares for the 3rd Annual Walton Invitational at Walton High School on Sat., Nov. 8, 2025. Team photo day is also approaching as seniors and JV athletes prepare for their spotlight moments.
Coaches’ Corner
We asked our coaching staff about their expectations and the areas the team will focus on this season.
Can this team make it to state?
Coach Warren: “Absolutely. Best team I’ve coached in 15 years. I’m very positive about what’s ahead.”
Coach Southley:“Oh, absolutely. I believe we have the roster to go to state and win. I want a state championship.”
Coach Martinez:“We have a strong chance of going to state. With five returning state qualifiers on both the girls and boys teams, we’re in a great position.”
What does the team still need to work on?
Coach Warren:“Team camaraderie. We all need similar mindsets. We finish strong together.”
Coach Southley:“Technique, speed, execution, and mindset. We’re ready to show everyone what we have.”
Coach Martinez:“Bringing new wrestlers up to speed to fill weight classes. A team is only as strong as its weakest link.”
Final Thoughts
Wrestling demands discipline, endurance, and heart. As Dan Gable once said, “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold—they’re made of sweat, determination, and guts.”
The Mustangs embody that spirit as they step boldly into their season. With dedicated coaches, driven athletes, and fierce motivation, this team is prepared to make a statement on every mat they touch.