CHANUTE — Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade Ponies weren’t able to generate much offense Thursday night against host Royster Middle School’s Rockets.
The Rockets had a 14-point second quarter to boost them to a 28-0 win over the Ponies. They had a touchdown in each of the final two quarters.
“We just were not ready to play and that’s my fault,” said Marty Taylor, IMS head football coach. “We’ll get back to work today and get ready for Pittsburg.”
Kaden Macha rushed for 39 yards on 13 carries. Drew Faulhaber had 27 rushing yards and was 2 of 9 passing for 10 yards and one interception. Macha was 0 of 2 with an interception.
Isaiah Grover gained 13 yards on two carries. Alex Bauer made a 15-yard catch while Macha’s reception lost five yards.
Faulhaber led the Pony defense with five unassisted tackles and one assisted tackle. Trey Colborn had four solo tackles.
Bauer made three stops and two assisted tackles. Calob Mock had three solo stops and Brock Peters had two unassisted tackles and one assist.
The eighth-grade football team is 2-1.
Iola’s seventh-grade football team improved to 3-0 with a 16-0 win over Royster Thursday.
The Ponies used a 16-yard scoring pass play to Colby Works from Brandon Donnell to score in the second quarter. Donnell ran in the two-point conversion.
Keanan Badders broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Brett Taylor flipped a two-point conversion pass to Gus Hopkins.
“These kids controlled the game from the kickoff. Keanan Badders was far and away the best player on the field Thursday night,” Taylor said.
Badders carried the football 10 times for 81 yards plus had four solo tackles, four assisted tackles and a quarterback sack. Donnell had 79 yards on 17 carries.
Bryce Aiello racked up five solo tackles and one assisted tackle. Ethan Sigg had two solos and three assisted tackles. Jacob Kress had four unassisted tackles.
Donnell forced a fumble which Mason Key recovered. Brett Taylor, Hopkins and Donnell each had a solo tackle. Daniel Ware had two unassisted tackles as did Taylor. Key and Works each had one assisted tackle.
Iola hosts Pittsburg next Thursday.
IMS football teams have split decision
