RICHMOND — A high powered offense and pressure defense led to a 34-0 win for Iola High’s football team over Central Heights. It was the Mustangs’ first win of the year.
“It was nice,” coach Doug Kerr said. “We made some adjustments on offense from last week to this week and the kids did a good job on that.”
The game started with a perfectly executed onside kick by Iola’s Mason Key and recovered by Terrell Smith.
It didn’t take the Mustangs long to score. After a seven-yard run from Kaden Macha, Ethan Scheibmeir took off for a 31-yard rush. A play later, Keanen Badders dove into the end zone on a five-yard score.
The Vikings’ initial drive looked promising but stalled at midfield. Iola’s next possession end on a failed fourth-down attempt.
In the second quarter, after each offense stalled on a couple drives, the Iola offense found the end zone. Macha finished off a short drive that started on Central Heights 20, with a five-yard touchdown run. Iola led 14-0.
Before the quarter ended, Macha ran for another five-yard touchdown. Iola took a 20-0 lead into halftime.
The Mustangs’ next possession began on their own 40. Macha started off the drive with a 10-yard run. A few plays later, Macha found Brett Taylor for a 44-yard touchdown pass. The Mustangs extended the lead to 26-0.
On the Vikings’ next possession, Badders nabbed an interception — Iola’s first of the season. However, Badders fumbled the ball during the next drive and it was recovered by the Vikings.
After giving up small yardage plays, Central Heights had the ball on Iola’s 4. On fourth and short, the Iola defense stopped the Vikings from getting the first down.
The Mustangs drove the field on short yard runs led by Macha. From Central Heights 28, Macha hit Chase Regehr for a touchdown — Macha’s second touchdown pass of the night and season. Aiello ran in the two-point conversion to cap the scoring.
The Mustangs had 410 yards of total offense — 313 on the ground and 97 through the air. Macha ran for 121 yards on 18 carries. He also was 5-for-9 passing for 97 yards. Scheibmeir had his best game of the year, running for 99 yards on 10 carries. Badders ran for 67 yards and Aiello had 24 rushing yards. Regehr caught two passes for 36 yards and Taylor caught two passes for 54 yards.
Iola’s defense had two sacks and three tackles for a loss. Trea Williams and Badders accounted for the sacks. Macha had 10 tackles; six were solo.
“I was really most proud about our defense’s pass coverage,” Kerr said. “We went from a coverage defense to a pressure defense and we got a lot of pressure on the quarterback tonight. We made him roll to his uncomfortable side with the pressure.”
The Mustangs (1-4) travel to Wellsville next Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
“Obviously, we played a team that wasn’t as good as the team we played last week,” Kerr said. “The team we play next week is going to be pretty good. At least it gives the kids a little bit of momentum and confidence heading into next week.
Mustangs win 34-0 behind rushing stampede
