Something had to give. Iola High’s Mustangs and Fort Scott High Tigers were locked in defensive battle in junior varsity football action here Monday.
On a very cool evening with a strong wind out of the northeast, the teams played their final junior varsity game of the season. The Mustangs were trying to put the finishing touches on an unbeaten season.
The teams were scoreless with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.
Iola’s Kaden Macha stepped up and met Fort Scott’s Race Kastl at the line of scrimmage. Macha denied the Tiger running back on a fourth-and-goal at the Iola four-yard line.
That came with 5:06 left in the game. Iola moved the ball out on a run by Isaiah Grover then stalled. On a punt attempt at their own end zone, Iola’s Adam Kauth was tackled for a safety by Fort Scott’s defenders.
Fort Scott led 2-0 with 2:17 remaining the the game.
On the ensuing free kick, Iola set up an onside kick attempt but was penalized. Again on the re-kick, Iola attempted to recover an onside kick.
The Tigers had the ball at the Iola 21-yard line. Victor Hughes broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run at the 1:15 mark. Josh Pytlowany tacked on the two-point conversion.
Fort Scott defeated Iola 10-0. The Mustang JV finished at 7-1.
Both teams had opportunities to score throughout the game. Penalties and turnovers helped defense rule on both sides.
“The kids fought the entire game even when we went down by 10 at the end. Our kids played hard to the end of the game,” said Cody Hager, IHS assistant coach. “That is what these kids did all year. They fought through adversity.”
Hager said the younger Mustangs had a very good season. They played aggressively and were physical on the field.
“The kids improved each week. They learned a lot and got after it every game,” Hager said. “All season long, Coach (James) Casper and I kept talking to the kids about the things that should come from within — like passion, desire and effort.
“Our kids were never in short supply of those three things. Most teams we played were bigger or faster. Our kids were more physical and played with passion, desire and effort.”
