The Baldwin High School Bulldogs picked up their first win in nearly two years at the Iola Mustangs’ expense in a 46-0 blowout Friday.
Iola struggled to gain traction on either side of the ball as Baldwin built a 20-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and rolled from there, leaving Iola with a 0-1 record ahead of next Friday’s Pioneer League opener against perennial powerhouse Wellsville.
“I’m hoping tonight is going to be a learning experience,” Iola coach David Daugharthy said. “They were definitely more physical, more confident. There was definitely an inexperienced Mustangs football team out there tonight and it showed. Some of our kids make plays they were not able to make tonight. The moment was just too big for them.”
Other area scores
In other action around the area, a few local powerhouses also suffered defeat, including defending Tri-Valley League champion Humboldt. The Cubs lost to TVL rival Caney Valley 38-0.
Looking to bounce back from a 1-9 2024 campaign, the Yates Center Wildcats proved they could compete but could not overcome a strong opening night showing from the Crest Lancers, who won their Three Rivers League opener 48-28.
In a battle of 2024 TRL champion and TRL runner-up Marmaton Valley and Oswego respectively, the Wildcats repeated history with a 44-25 defeat of the Indians.
In six-man football action, the Southern Coffey County Titans fell to Marais Des Cygnes Valley 54-6.
