Friday August 21st the Mount Vernon Mustangs will host the West Branch Bears in a controlled scrimmage on the campus of Cornell College and Ash Park field.  The all-weather surface will give a great playing surface for both teams and will guarantee a scrimmage for that night.  

"Playing this scrimmage at Cornell will preserve our field and guarantee a game that night.  Weather will not cancel this scrimmage and that is a win for both teams," Coach Lance Pedersen commented.

Butch Pedersen long time Bear football coach and father of Lance Pedersen, "I think this is a tremendous opportunity that we could not pass on, The quarterbacks will wear a vest and be non-contact. The running backs will only be able to be hit above the waist, and will not be driven to the ground on contact."

"I am excited to have the opportunity to play West Branch in this scrimmage.  It will be a great atmosphere for both teams," second year coach Lance Pedersen said.  "I look forward to a great crowd, a great experience for both teams, we hope to make this a community event and include more than just the scrimmage."

Coach Lance Pedersen played for his Dad while in high school.  In 1989 they reached the ultimate goal in football by winning the state championship.  Butch has stayed in West Branch and has two more state titles to add to his accomplishments.  Lance went on to play one year of football at Central College, and has made coaching stops at Hudson (state title in 1994), Iowa Valley Marengo ( two state semi-final appearances), and Wilton (8 playoff appearances).  

More details will follow in the next couple of months about the scrimmage and events that will go along with it.

Be sure to stay tuned to MountVernonFootball.com for all breaking news and announcements pertaining to Mustang Football.