The Iola Middle football team split a pair of matchups with Prairie View at home Thursday.
The eighth grade Mustangs responded from a tough loss last week and shut down the Buffalo for a 40-0 drubbing win while Iola’s seventh-graders were shut out in a 36-0 loss.
Eighth grade
Even with the loss of one of the Mustangs’ most reliable players, Reginald Davis, Iola was still able to take down Prairie View with relative ease, 40-0.
Kevon Loving led Iola offensively when he rushed for three touchdowns on 176 rushing yards. Reed Clift also chugged in for two touchdowns and totaled 49 ground yards. Colton Thompson also had a rushing touchdown along with 55 rushing yards.
“The boys came out aggressive and kept it up for most of the game,” Iola head coach Scott Ellis said. “Noah Anderson playing fullback came off the ball hard and hit the holes quickly along with Kevon (Loving) at tailback running to the outside. Reed Clift orchestrated a tough offense also making some positive yardage.”
Loving’s 62-yard touchdown run was the longest of the game.
Clift was also comfortable under center, completing three passes, the longest going for 22 yards.
Defensively, Clift brought in a team-high six tackles while Anderson had four tackles. Colton Thompson and Dean Kheeliant each had three tackles. Hunter Bernsten collected a team-high two fumble recoveries while Aidan Cheney also scooped up a fumble.
“Defensively, we were relentless and didn’t let them breathe for the most part,” said Ellis. “Our linemen played their best game, being very physical. I am very proud of our Mustangs tonight.”
Seventh grade
The Mustangs showed no signs of offensive life when they lost to Prairie View, 36-0.
Coach Ellis laid the blame o a lack of confidence.
“It was a rough game for our seventh grade crew tonight,” Ellis said. “I thought we got down quickly mentally. The boys need to play with more confidence and a whole lot better execution on both sides of the ball.”
Hunter McDaniel led Iola running the ball with a team-high 67 ground yards while Lucas Boeken went for 15 rushing yards. Henry Kramer also went for seven rushing yards. Keithly led the way passing and had the only pass of the game, a 20-yard touchdown throw.
