COLUMBUS — Iola Middle School’s seventh-grade football team experienced its first loss of the season Thursday.
Columbus scored 18 points in the first half and beat the visiting Ponies 18-6.
The Ponies are 4-1 and host Coffeyville next Thursday.
“We just were not ready to play this game. The kids came back and played their best half of the year in the second half,” said Marty Taylor, IMS head coach.
“I thought Jake Kress did a great job. Because of some kids who didn’t take care of business in school we were a little short-handed and Jake had to play center for the first time.”
Keanan Badders broke loose on a 28-yard touchdown run for Iola in the fourth quarter. Badders had 53 yard son seven carries.
Brandon Donnell rushed for 70 yards on 16 carries. Brett Taylor was 3 of 6 for 10 yards passing.
Leading the defensive charge was Donnell with five unassisted tackles and five assisted plus a forced fumble. Gus Hopkins recovered the fumble.
Brent Aiello had four solo tackles, three assisted tackles and a quarterback sack. Badders had three solos and two assisted.
Taylor had five assisted tackles. Kress had two solos and two assisted tackles and Ethan Sigg had one solo tackle and two assisted.
Colby Works had an interception. Mason Key had one unassisted tackle and one assisted. Kalob Cleaver had two assisted tackles and Hopkins had one assisted.
IMS seventh-grade team loses
