What can we say.

The Mustangs of Armstrong-Ringsted pulled if off Friday when they won the State Eight-Man title, defeating the Lenox Tigers 49-30.

It was a well-deserved trophy for the Mustangs, who were runners-up the previous two years, losing a nail-biter last year by 32-30.

Undoubtedly, the Mustangs had their supporters. In fact, you could say that the towns of both Armstrong and Ringsted moved to Cedar Falls for the game.

Craig Tigges received the Most Valuable Player award. He was also helped in the Mustangs' scoring effort by Tyler Tondrum, Ethan Eisenbacher and Brett Thackery.

The entire A-R coaching staff and team deserve a round of applause, though, for a great game against a tough team.

The 2009 Armstrong-Ringsted Football Team includes Craig Tigges, Dylan Looft, Tyler Tonderum, Ethan Eisenbacher, Ethan Jensen, Clint Davis, Keith Mathine, Nick Larsen, David Leach, Travis Hantelman, Spencer Clausen, Bryson Rezac; Brett Thackery, Tyler Feddersen, Griff Truslow, Adam Bistrup, Evan Hagebock, Joe Boicourt, Clint McConnell, Dakota Odermann, Drew Kingswan, Ty Irmiter, CJ Cheever, Ty Anderson, Ben Peterson, David Newkirk, Steve Anderson, Dylan Moore, Steve Koop, Jonathan Hargrove, Logan Hargrove, Dakota Mullen, Colton McConnell, Zack Zeman, Shane Mills, Chris Burt, Clyve Jensen, assistant coaches Steve Waldstein, Nate Hanson and James Fitzgerald and head coach Robert Zotz.

It's things like winning a state football title that help get a town back on its feet. Like many Iowa towns, Armstrong and Ringsted were hit hard by the economic downturn over the past couple years. However, things are really starting to look up. Armstrong has a new grocery store and Ringsted has a new art store and seed supply. That's great news.

Folks in both towns are proving that the same values that built this country - hard work, determination and a will to succeed - are still present in our youth of today.

Congratulations again to the Armstrong-Ringsted Mustangs. And here's to a great next season!