In the past, Iola High head football coach David Daugharthy had not been heavily involved in his programs JV team. This year, things are different.
Daugharthy is making an emphasis to invest in the Mustangs youth, and see which players can make an impact under the bright lights on Friday nights.
I feel like one of my struggles is investing in the younger kids, Daugharthy said. So much of our practice time is devoted to the varsity. So me being here shows that the JV is still important, and I want to see those kids grow.
Another reason Daugharthy will be a presence on the JV sidelines is to serve as a backup for offensive coordinator Daniel Vaughn, who handles the duties on Friday nights.
The JV was unable to earn a win on Monday, losing to Parsons by a score of 6-12. Despite the loss, Daugharthy said he saw lots of positives.
One of the bright spots for the Mustangs was freshman Jarrett Herrmann, who scored the solo touchdown off a pass from freshman quarterback Carter Hutton.
Herrmann looked pretty good and ran the ball hard, and he will probably get some time on special teams, Daugharthy said.
Daugharthy was also evaluating junior Kole Rogers and sophomore Brett Willis. Sophomore TJ Taylor was also impressive, showcasing toughness and a nose for the football defensively.
Mondays JV game provided an opportunity for younger varsity players to get more game time. Despite playing on Friday, Holden Barker, Trent Jones and Adam Atwell seemed not to have the energy on Monday, Daugharthy said
I expected Holden, Trent and Adam to do a little bit better, Daugharthy said. We rotated them at the fullback spot, and expected more from them. But we also have to do a better job of blocking for them up front.
Other than just the JV games, Daugharthy is finding more time for the more inexperienced Mustangs. When the varsity offense is working on tempo, Daugharthy said the JV offense will be practicing off to the side working to improve.
LOOKING AHEAD
This Friday, the Mustangs will play their home opener against Wellsville. Last season, the Mustangs lost to the Eagles 16-35, but Daugharthy believes that Wellsville is team his side can compete with.
They are a power running team, but they look extremely beatable to me, Daugharthy said. They have a couple of physical linemen, who are big guys we might have problems moving. Defensively, they are sound, but are not as talented as they have been in years past.
Offensively, the Mustangs will have to adjust. Iola will be without starting quarterback Bradyn Cole. Cole injured his left wrist against Parsons, and the sophomore signal caller may be sidelined for the rest of the season. Senior Casen Barker will resume his duties under center, and the Mustangs have some special packages for junior Isaac Badders in the wildcat.
The Mustangs kick off against Wellsville at 7 p.m.
