The San Diego Mustangs defeated the Young Aztec Warriors 45-19 Wednesday night in a Southern California league matchup.

On a chilly, windy night, the Mustangs took an early lead when Mustangs captain Jackson Baere scored and converted his own try. The Warriors replied moments later and HS All American Ryan James raced through for a try to make it 7-7.

Late in the first half, Baere picked up at the base of the scrum and set up a play that ended with wing Adam Eastwood scoring. Baere converted and it was 14-7. Right before halftime, Baere was once again in the middle of the action. After the Mustangs were held up in-goal, Baere picked up at the back of the scrum and galloped over. The conversion was good and the teams changed ends with the Mustangs up 21-7.

Sixty seconds into the second half it was 28-7 after flyhalf Matthew Goena scored and Baere converted. James continued to test the Mustangs defense, and after drawing a dangerous tackle that led to a yellow card for the Mustangs, the speedy center cut through to get the Aztecs to the tryline. A little bashing at the line produced an Aztecs try and it was 28-12. 

The Mustangs pressured off the restart, won the ball, and after an Aztecs yellow card for repeated ruck infringements, sent the ball wide to wing Carson Ward. He scored, and Baere converted to make it 35-12. Then two tries later it was 45-12. The Aztecs put in one more, but that was it.

The Mustangs won the battle at the breakdown, and that certainly led to the victory. The Mustangs are now 2-0 in league play, and Aztecs 1-1.