The Isabella Mustangs found its legs during a 41-0 jamboree victory over visiting Billingsley on Aug. 24.

As the game wore on, the Mustangs’ offensive success continued to grow.

Isabella struck first with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jaqarise Stacy to Cornelius Stacy, as the family connection hooked up in the red zone. Stacy also ran for two scores later in the first half.

“Something we’ve been working on is bringing more energy and playing with passion, and it seemed like they did that tonight,” Isabella head coach Tate Leonard said.

Billingsley’s first few drives were lengthy and marched down the field. However, the Isabella defense stood strong when it mattered most and picked off a pair passes in the end zone to deny points for the Bears.

Jonathan Alstott and Cole Atchison came up with the clutch first half interceptions.

“It was a good test for our defense,” Leonard said.

Following the turnovers, Isabella began to adjust to the Billingsley play calling and maintained a shutout throughout the game.

“We had been looking forward to hitting somewhat else for once,” Alstott said.

Lance Price bulldozed his way for a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs and Austin Brasher scored on a touchdown burst as time expired on the first half.

“We like to have a little tune-up game to see all you did right and wrong,” Leonard said. “You always get better from the first game to the second game, and that’s what we’re hoping.”

The Mustangs open up their regular season schedule on the road against county opponent Verbena on Sept. 1.