Iola football head coach David Daugharthy admits that maybe he got a little too caught up last year in ending what was a 29-year losing streak to rival and former SEK league opponent Chanute.
Beating the Blue Comets was a mantra that was echoed through summer and fall football camp in the then first-year head coachs first offseason.
Despite the hype and the preparation put into the game, it did nothing to move the Mustang needle in the right direction. The Mustangs lost 38-7 in the 2017 home opener.
After the loss I really reflected on the rivalry, Daugharthy said. Is the streak definitely something that I want to end? Absolutely. But Chanutes not in our league and theyre not in our district. Its nice to win your rivalry but in terms of our season, it doesnt mean more than any other game this season. So thats the way Ive treated it this year. I dont think Ive brought up the streak once.
Despite the 30-year spector hanging over the game, the Mustangs still have to deal with a 1-1 Chanute team that is more than competent and is fresh off of getting embarrassed by Pittsburg 52-0.
Blue Comet quarterback Ty Bowman comes in with a solid arm and what Daugharthy describes as a Saturday body.
Hes a big kid and a pocket passer, Daugharthy said. He can throw the ball well and has several good weapons at receiver. Hell be tough to contain.
Daugharthy also praised Chanute for how good they are at mixing up formations in addition to saying that they will be the fundamentally sound football team that the winless Mustangs have faced so far this year.
On Iolas side of football one of the biggest focuses is just getting healthy. Sophomore lineman Gage Turner will be out for the season with a knee injury sustained during the Wellsville game and fellow lineman Logan Brown broke a bone in his ankle and will be out for at least most of the season.
But with two guys down, they also get two guys back in junior linebacker and wide reciever Christian Floyd and freshman linebacker Kolton LaCrone who might get to see some varsity playing time this week.
Offensively, last weeks loss at Wellsville saw the emergence of sophomore quarterback Brayden Cole who came in and looked very capable while showing off his arm.
Cole threw three touchdowns in Mondays junior varsity win over Wellsville including the game winner and Daugharthy plans to see him split time with junior starter Casen Barker.
We do plan on mixing and matching the two guys, Daugharthy said. But were kind of in a tough spot. Were going to need to run the ball to beat Chanute and Casen gives us that element but on the flip side, Braydens arm gives our offense a whole different dimension. I think both guys are capable of running and passing though.
The Mustangs and the Blue Comets will kickoff at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Riverside Park.
