BURLINGTON Iola and Burlington headed into halftime deadlocked 6-6, but only one team showed up in the second half. The Mustangs were unable to execute offensively, and the Wildcats ground and pound offense rolled past Iola for two second-half scores.
Iola had opportunities late to score, but were unable to capitalize, losing 20-6.
Burlington started with the football and powered through the interior of the Mustang front seven, reaching the Iola 15-yard line. Although the Iola defense was bent, they did not break, and forced a Wildcat fumble that was recovered by Mustang Karson McGraw. Junior Isaac Badders took his first carry for an 86 yard rushing touchdown to give Iola an early lead.
The Mustang offense continued to move the ball at will in the first half, but were unable to translate solid yardage into scores. Penalties and mental mistakes did the Mustangs a major disservice.
Its a lack of focus, and apparently a lack of coaching, head coach David Daugharthy said. We as coaches need to do better, and help the players understand what they are supposed to do, and they cant do those things. Ill take credit for that.
The Wildcats were without star quarterback Cael Johnson due to a concussion he received in the previous game against Prairie View. Burlington tied things up when Gavin Price hauled in a 52-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Brady Rand.
Late in the second half, Mustang quarterback Landon Carson was intercepted by Price, and a personal foul penalty on Iola receiver Drake Sellman handed Burlington great field position. Fortunately for the Mustangs, time ran out on Burlingtons attempt to earn the lead, ending the first half on the Iola 1-yard line.
The Mustangs received the football to start the second half, but a three-and-out handed possession back over to the Wildcats. Rand handed Burlington the lead with a 1-yard touchdown plunge. The Wildcats extended their lead in the fourth quarter. Braden Sloyer connected with Brennan Brown for an 8-yard touchdown pass to extend the Wildcat lead to 20-6.
Iola had a chance to get back in the game with five minutes remaining. Carson hit Zane Whitney for a 37-yard completion to exert life into the Mustangs. Iola reached the Wildcat 9-yard line, but turned the ball over on downs after Carsons scramble attempt to the end zone was cut short.
In the first half we moved the ball, but penalties killed us, Daugharthy said. In the first half, we were doing pretty much anything we wanted. In the second, they made some adjustments, and we didnt handle them.
Badders finished as the Mustangs leading rushing, accumulating 117 yards on 11 carries. Holden Barker earned 46 yards rushing on 11 carries, and brother Casen, finished with 16 yards rushing on 8 carries. Carson finished 8-of-14 for 70 yards passing and an interception.
Defensively, Logan Brown led with 16 tackles, and Whitney followed with 11. Badders finished third for Iola with 10 tackles.
The loss moves Iola to 1-4 on the season, and 1-3 in Pioneer League play. Daugharthy believes this was a game the Mustangs should have had.
I honestly believe we are the better team, Daugharthy said. We have the better players, and I think we could have moved the ball better offensively throughout the night. Honestly, I dont know what happened there. We should have been able to take this game, and it is a bummer we didnt.
Iola will be on the road once again next week at Girard. The Trojans are 2-4 overall, and 1-2 in the Pioneer League. Girard lost to Prairie View 41-27 on Friday.
