OSAWATOMIE — Iola Middle School’s football team got off to a flying start Thursday.
The seventh- and eighth-grade Mustang squads combined to outscore host Osawatomie 54-0 in a pair of shutouts.
The seventh-graders cruised to a 30-0 thrashing, while the eighth-grade Mustangs jumped out early in a 24-0 romp.
Greyson Skahan was a monster in the backfield, scoring on runs of 68, 50 and 90 yards. (His only other carry was a 25-yarder, giving him 233 yards on four rushes).
“Greyson ran the ball with toughness, and their defense just couldn’t stop him,” Iola head coach Scott Ellis said. “Colton Hall did a great job leading the offense and keeping the chains moving.”
Matthew Holding led the seventh-graders with eight tackles. Skahan, Bryce Roberts and Austin Scroggins added seven stops apiece. Scroggins also had a sack.
“It was everyone working together that made the difference,” Ellis said.
SPEAKING of working together, the eighth-graders received contributions up and down the lineup in their victory.
Axtin Christensen rushed for 53 yards and two scores, while Jaxen Mueller completed all three of his pass attempts for 43 yards, including a 33-yard scoring strike to Cade Curry.
Milo Franklin and Jayson Dorius paced the defense with eight and seven tackles, respectively. Dorius and Mueller also pulled in interceptions. Mueller, Curry and Michael Hancock registered quarterback sacks.
“Our eighth-grade athletes played a great season-opener. Mueller did a great job running the offense and spreading the ball around, while Christensen and Franklin kept things moving in the backfield behind some strong blocking from the linemen.
“It was an awesome start to the season. The kids are working hard. We’ll keep cleaning up a few penalties, but that’s part of the early season. I’m really proud of this group.”
The Mustangs will have a week off before traveling to Anderson County Sept. 18.
