BURLINGTON — The Iola eighth grade Mustangs came out on top while Iola’s seventh- graders were shut out by Burlington on the road Thursday.
The eighth grade Mustangs handily beat the Wildcats, 45-0, while Iola’s seventh-graders fell to Burlington, 40-0. Iola’s eighth grade defense earned a shutout, and Reginald Davis led the eighth grade Mustangs with four touchdowns.
Eighth grade
Iola’s defensive front was solid on the night with Kiwi Dean, Noah Anderson, Byson Baker, Isaiah Geisler, Hunter Brensten and Aidan Cheney all stepping up in a big way. Kevon Loving led the way with a team-high six tackles. Colton Thompson and Anderson each went for five tackles.
Reed Clift also had two fumble recoveries while Brodon Westerman and Loving each recovered a fumble.
“These guys stuffed Burlington’s running attack,” Iola head coach Scott Ellis said. “Our linebackers were making great reads, and our defensive backs kept them from getting anything big thrown at us.”
Offensively, Davis III rushed for four total touchdowns and 223 yards on only seven carries. Davis III’s touchdown runs were 54, 42, seven and 80-yard runs.
Reed Clift made a difference at quarterback for the Mustangs, passing for two touchdowns on 103 yards through the air. Colton Thompson hauled in a 61-yard touchdown reception on a trick play. The other touchdown reception was brought in by Davis III on a 42-yard reception.
Thursday’s game was the first time in Ellis’ IMS coaching career that the team was successful on a field goal extra point, made good by Clift.
Seventh grade
Iola’s seventh graders came out on the losing end of their Burlington contest, falling 40-0.
The Mustang offense couldn’t get anything going, amassing only 76 yards while losing one ball to a fumble. Lucas Boeken rushed for a team-high 36 yards but also had the lone fumble.
“Burlington put it on our seventh graders,” said Ellis. “I thought the boys came out aggressively. We were only down 14 at the half, and we were driving the ball. In the second half, we gave up way too early and they took advantage. I was glad to see Spencer Sargent lead the way he did.”
Iola’s defense couldn’t force any turnovers but were led by Spencer Sargent’s five tackles and Hunter McDaniel’s four. Findley Cameron also had three tackles while Jeep Harper and McDaniel each had one sack.
Iola hosts Wellsville next Thursday for their final matchup of the season.
