Weather presented itself as a third opponent on Thursday, but that didnt stop Iola and Marmaton Valley from taking the field. Here is what happened in Allen County middle school sports this week:
Iola Football
After two blowout wins against Osawatomie, the Ponies were looking to carry the momentum in their matchup at home against Fort Scott. The seventh-grade however, came out flat, allowing an early turnover that led to a Fort Scott touchdown. Things went downhill from there. By the end of the third quarter, the Ponies were down 0-28. Cody Mathes was the workhorse for Iola on the ground with 16 carries for 63 yards rushing, and Kyser Nemecek also chipped in 6 carries for 18 yards rushing. Defensively, Cortland Carson was Iolas number-one run stopper with 10 tackles.
The eighth-grade game was shortened due to inclement weather, but the Ponies came out fired up for some Thursday night football. After giving up an early score, the Ponies responded with a drive of their own. The game finished after the first quarter tied 6-6. Quarterback Landon Weide was a perfect 3-3 in the air for 23 yards. Drayden Reiter was the go-to option in the pass game, and finished with 14 yards receiving, and Brian Macias had 9. The ground game was bolstered by Gage Skahan (7 for 46) and Reiter (3 for 15). The Ponies have a date with Anderson County next Thursday, where both seventh- and eighth-grade teams will look to be back on the winning side of things.
Iola Volleyball
On Monday, the eighth-grade Ponies traveled to Wellsville for their second game of the season. Although things did not go according to plan for Iola, the Ponies are slowly coming together. The B and C teams lost all four sets by scores of 18-25, 16-25, 7-25, and 12-25. Riley Olson showcased skill behind the line with five ace serves, and Hallie Sutherland gave the Ponies production in all areas with three kills, four aces, and an assist. Kadence Gragg, Kennedy Maier, and Maddy Cookson had two-ace serves a piece.
The A team eighth-graders fell to Wellsville 16-25, 11-25, and 12-25. The Ponies showcased improvement in the offensive system, setting up their hitters through precise passing. The improvements were highlighted by Rio Lohman, who ended the match with five kills. Jackie Fager displayed leadership on the floor, dishing out superb passes, and accumulating two-ace serves and a kill.
Humboldt Football
The Cubs football games were put on hold due to weather, and this weeks games were rescheduled to Oct. 24.
Marmaton Valley Football
The Wildcats opened up their 2019 season against Northeast Arma. Too many first game jitters led to poor alignment on defense, resulting in Northeast Arma shooting out to a 24-0 first-quarter lead. At the half, the Wildcats were in a 38-8 hole, with the game called late in the third as Marmaton Valley was threatening to score. The Wildcats were highlighted by Jaedon Graneres 48-yard touchdown run, along with a successful 2-point conversion. Expect the Wildcats to only improve from this point on.
Marmaton Valley Volleyball
The C team took care of Northeast Arma in two sets by scores of 15-7 and 15-11. Bella Dwyer and Emily Smith led the charge with four and three points respectively. The B team was unable to repeat the C teams success, losing in three sets via scores of 25-22, 23-25, and 11-15 Jacee Mattox picked up eight points, and Dwyer pitched in another six for the Wildcats.
The A team was able to handle Northeast Arma comfortably, winning both sets 25-15 and 25-12. Raveyn Kegler and Payton Scharff both picked up nine points. Setters Brooklyn Adams and Kegler were able to find Jane Granere all evening, setting up the hitter for 10 kills on the day.
