Tyler McIntosh found Jesse Zimmerman behind all the defenders for a 32-yard touchdown pass play midway through the first quarter. Kaden Macha lowered his shoulder to push across the goal line for the two-point conversion.
So it started for Iola High’s junior varsity football team Monday. The Mustangs never trailed in a 38-18 win at home over Columbus High’s Titans.
Titan quarterback Nate Bole had a long run to put his team in a position to tie the game. But Iola’s defense denied the Titans for scoring the two-point conversion. It remained 8-6 through halftime.
In the third quarter, Aaron Barclay blocked his second Titan punt and Iola teammate Eric Heffern scooped the football up and scored a touchdown. Next, Zimmerman intercepted a pass returning it 35 yards for a score with Macha tacking on the two points.
“The kids were aggressive on defense and flying to the football,” said Cody Hager, IHS assistant coach. “Our defensive line kept their pad level low most of the night controlling the line of scrimmage. Our linebackers and defensive backs put on a lot of pressure and covered their receivers pretty well.”
Zimmerman had two interceptions and Andrew McMurry picked off a pass for Iola.
Also in the second half, McIntosh broke off a 35-yard touchdown run with Macha scoring the two-point conversion. The final score for the Mustangs came on a 12-yard pass from McIntosh to Zimmerman. Derrick Weir ran in the two-point conversion.
“Offensively, we were able to move the ball and the linemen fired off the ball and stayed low. Our running backs ran the ball hard and the receivers ran good routes,” Hager said.
“The kids came out with a lot of energy Monday night. Overall, I was very pleased with our performance. The kids are getting better each week.”
Iola’s junior varsity is 5-0. It hosts Chanute next Monday at 5 p.m.
Mustang JV beats Titans
