Mustangs begin district play against Burlington

Despite its early-season struggles, Iola High gets to reset things starting this week.
The Mustangs open district play Friday with a home game against Burlington. District play determines which teams qualify for the postseason.
After a concussion kept coach Doug Kerr out of action in last week’s loss to Wellsville, he has been absent from practice this week with bronchitis.
Kerr had the flu last week and that spread into his lungs to cause bronchitis. He’s lost 13 pounds.
He has been up to date on the game plan for this week and plans on being in the press box to call plays.
“The kids are really motivated for this district game,” Kerr said.
The assistant coaches divvied up Kerr’s duties at practice this week.
Even so, it’s been business as normal. The assistants were versed enough to run practice themselves, Kerr said.
“We’ve just done what we do every week,” said offensive coordinator Dana Daugharthy, who will take over play calling duties if Kerr is unable to do so. “We’re trying to emphasize to come to practice hard this week because we’ve got a big game.”
Iola’s opponent should provide a competitive game.
Burlington is 3-3 this season with wins against Eureka, Erie and Fredonia. The Wildcats have lost to Caney Valley, Cherryvale and Neodesha.
In their losses, the Wildcats have been outscored 121-35. The three teams they’ve defeated have a combined six wins. Fredonia is 4-2, Eureka is 2-4 and Erie is winless.
“On film they look pretty decent, but they’re definitely beatable for sure. They don’t look quite as good as Wellsville,” Daugharthy said. “I think it’s definitely a team we can beat and if we come to play.”
Despite Iola’s 1-5 record, it can still qualify for the playoffs by winning at least two of its final three games.
Last week, Wellsville beat Iola 42-0 holding the Mustangs to a season low 14 yards of total offense, including no completed passes.
When the Mustangs take the field Friday, they will be wearing new uniforms. Kerr said they are for home playoff games and suggested this game is being treated as such.
“Hopefully that will be exciting for the kids and the fans,” Daugharthy said.
Kickoff for the Class 4A-II, District 3 showdown is at 7 p.m. at Iola’s Riverside Park.