Crim: Mustangs’ Allen ready to turn 2024 season into stuff dreams are made of

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | August 30, 2024
Unity-Payson junior quarterback Sawyer Allen heads into the 2024 season with more experience and a better understanding of what it takes to lead the Mustangs. | Photo courtesy Sarah Donley Photography

MENDON, Ill.— It wasn’t the debut Sawyer Allen envisioned. After winning the starting quarterback job with his work over the summer and through preseason practice, the Unity-Payson sophomore approached the 2023 season opener at home against Winchester West Central with eager anticipation. “I had every opportunity to show Coach I want to be the quarterback…

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Countdown to kickoff: Mustangs ready to tackle challenging schedule, seek return to playoffs

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | August 18, 2024
The Unity-Payson football program wants to continue a string of success and return to the playoffs after going 6-3 last season to reach the Class 2A postseason. | Matt Schuckman photo

Coverage of the Unity-Payson football team is brought to you by: MENDON, Ill. — An early-season gauntlet once again awaits the Unity-Payson football team. The Mustangs are scheduled to face three playoff teams from a year ago — Winchester West Central, Greenfield-Northwestern and Camp Point Central — during the first four weeks of the season.…

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Epic rally allows Mustangs to keep win streak alive with extra-inning victory

By Muddy River Sports | April 18, 2024
Mendon Unity right-hander Sawyer Allen threw three innings of scoreless relief to earn the victory in Wednesday night's 15-12 come-from-behind victory over Bushnell-Prairie City. | Matt Schuckman photo

BUSHNELL, Ill. — With two runners on base and two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Bushnell-Prairie City baseball team was one run away from a 10-run rule victory. The Spartans didn’t get it, and that gave Mendon Unity new life. The Mustangs scored five times in the top of the sixth,…

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