LA CYGNE — Iola Middle School’s eighth-graders “took care of business” early on against Prairie View, and came away with another resounding victory, 36-0.
“It was a group effort in tonight’s shutout victory,” Mustang head coach Scott Ellis said. “I’m very proud of the boys executing on both sides of the line.”
Cole Mathes took advantage of key blocks from Cortland Carson and linemen Bryce Walden, Demarco Ross, Jordan Kaufman, Shaun McLaughlin, Grady Dougherty and Everett Glaze, rushing for 100 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.
Jaedon Granere had 33 yards rushing, 45 yards receiving, 65 yards on a kickoff return and 45 yards on punt returns, and scored three touchdowns.
“Jaedon was explosive on punt returns,” Ellis said.
Kyser Nemecek had 45 yards passing and eight yards rushing with a touchdown. Carson had five carries for 46 yards, while Lucas Maier added a 2-point conversion on a reception.
Several defenders shined as well. Nemecek had an interception and two tackles. Mathes had 12 stops, followed by Granere with 11 and Carson with eight.
“ It was a fun game for us,” Ellis said. “I thought the boys took care of business early and played relentlessly through all four quarters.”
Iola (4-0) has outscored its four opponents by a combined 192-14 on the season.
PRAIRIE VIEW defeated Iola’s seventh-graders, 22-0.
Ellis said the Mustangs played tough against a powerful Buffalo running game, and trailed just 6-0 at halftime before Prairie View scored three times after the break.
Noah Schowengerdt had 13 yards on the ground and 38 yards in returning kickoffs. Easton Weseloh had 32 rushing yards. Nick Bauer had a 30-yard pass to Jakolby Hill.
Bauer had six tackles and a fumble recovery. Henry White also had a fumble recovery. Weseloh led the way with 10 tackles; Schowengerdt had six and Baron Folk five.
“We had trouble executing on offense and getting started on our rushing game,” Ellis said. “We were a little short handed tonight but had several boys step up and take on different roles to help the team. I definitely saw improvements from our last game and will continue to stress playing physical. The boys played hard tonight, but just fell short. I am proud of our effort.”
