The Iola Middle School eighth-grade football team are the 2025 Pioneer League champions after beating defending champion Burlington 16-8 on the road Thursday.
After coming up just short last season, Iola would not be denied and avenged their only loss last season with Thursday’s victory.
“This was a big time win for our 8th grade team. We played an unbeaten Burlington eighth grade team that hadn’t lost in two years,” IMS coach Scott Ellis said. “This team was our only loss last year, so the kids were super excited with the results. This gives us a regular season Pioneer League title and a Championship Bowl game appearance.”
Milo Franklin accounted for 47 yards rushing and a touchdown while quarterback Jaxen Mueller picked up the other touchdown on a 1-yard burst into the end zone. But Thursday’s contest was primarily a defensive battle. After scoring both of their touchdowns in the first half, it was up to Iola’s defense to hold fast for the win.
“Our defense stuffed them on the goal-line right before halftime, which was huge,” Ellis said. “We caused a fumble that let us bleed the rest of the clock out. In the second half, our offense was a little stagnant but our defense took over. We were able to shut them down on their last drive to take a knee for the win.”
Although the victory was a team effort, Ellis credited some of Iola’s success to linebacker Michael Hancock, who tallied nine tackles, including a sack. Franklin had six tackles, while Mueller had five and defensive end Austin Campbell had three tackles and a sack.
“Michael Hancock played like a beast on defense, but it was a total team effort,” Ellis said. “We’re 5-0 going into our last regular season game against Wellsville on Thursday. It feels great to get two wins tonight in Burlington.”
Seventh-grade wins 26-6
While the eighth-grade team won in a close contest, the seventh-grade ran away with their victory.
“It was a very physical game. I am proud of how we played and getting a win against Burlington,” Ellis said. “This puts us in the championship bowl game at the end of the season.”
Running back Greyson Skahan had a banner day, with more than 150 yards rushing a touchdown. Skahan scored his first touchdown on a 58-yard run, then scored Iola’s final touchdown on a 15-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Colton Hill scored Iola’s other rushing touchdowns on a 1-yard dash and threw for another while completing a 21-yard pass to Skahan.
Defensively, it was also a team effort for the Mustangs, as four players were within a single tackle of the team lead. Bryce Roberts and Austin Scroggins had five tackles, while Skahan and Matthew Holding had one each. Scroggins also had a team-leading two sacks, followed by Skahan and Roberts, who had one each.
