On a senior-laden football team, Iola High’s Ben Kerr emerged as a leader on both sides of the ball, particularly down the stretch.
He took over as Iola’s front line running back in October, eclipsing the 100-yard rushing mark in Iola’s last three games. For the season, Kerr rushed for 497 yards, on a 6.7-yard-per-carry average with four touchdowns. He also averaged 9.7 yards per reception on 23 catches, with four more scores.
His strong finish netted Kerr another honor. He was voted by the Register’s readers as the Male Athlete of the Month for October.
Defensively, Kerr led Iola from the linebacker spot with 59 tackles, nearly seven per game. He also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
Did he have a favorite?
“Probably defense,” Kerr said with a sly grin. “It’s fun to tackle and get to the line.”
But Kerr’s contributions, as well as those from his fellow seniors, extended beyond Friday night games.
Head coach David Daugharthy praised the IHS senior class for its leadership
“It’s about really working in practice, and in the summertime,” Kerr said. “Our goal this year was to be different, and to change the culture. I felt like the younger kids expect to win now.”
Kerr is uncertain where he’ll attend college.
The son of Camille and Doug Kerr is weighing offers from Baker, Ottawa and Bethany universities in Kansas. He’s also uncertain whether he’ll play on offense or defense in college.
If it’s like high school, he’ll go where needed, when needed.
“I can’t really decide right now,” Kerr said. “They’re both fun.”
While he played through his youth football days as a running back, Kerr entered high school with thoughts on becoming a receiver.
“I went wherever Coach needed me,” he said. “They really needed somebody a running back this year.”’
