After losing the first game of the season to Santa Fe Trail, 35-0, Iola High’s Mustangs come home for not only their home opener, but also their homecoming game against Prairie View.
Last week, Prairie View defeated Wellsville, 3-0. Wellsville tied Iola with a 4-1 league record last season. The game went into overtime and the Buffalos started with the ball, kicking a field goal. The defense then recovered a fumble to seal the win.
“They run the ball really well,” coach Doug Kerr said. “They run the ball and play good defense. Offensively they have a big wing back, Blake Barnes, who’s just a man-child. We’re going to have to contain him.”
Kerr said Prairie View also has a big offensive line, which makes it easy for the team to create holes for Barnes.
On defense, the Buffalos have many wrestlers that will give the Mustangs trouble.
Because this is not only the first home game of the season, but also homecoming, Kerr said the situation is not ideal for a coach because of the many distractions, including getting ready for the parade, changing practice schedules and dealing with the floats. However, being home is never a negative.
“Once that whole crowning gets over with and you get back to bumping the pads, I think it will be helpful this week,” Kerr said. “We were 90 miles from home last week, so we didn’t have the type of crowd like we will Friday night.”
The team has more injuries to deal with and may have to start more sophomores this week. Kerr said that will be a game-time decision. He added that the team will be playing with more effort.
“If we can improve from week one to week two, taking little steps, not making the same mistakes as we did last week, then it’s a positive,” Kerr said. “I think you’ll see a better effort. Not that we had a bad effort last week, I just think you’ll see a better effort in front of the home crowd.”
Kerr wants to see his offensive line have a better game this week.
“Last week we just got pushed around and we got frustrated on offense,” Kerr said. “Being fresh and young, we basically had four of our six on the line in a new position that they haven’t played before.”
Alex Bauer is playing tight end this season, instead of being on the offensive line as he previously had been.
“So, the (offensive) line is where it’s going to be won and lost,” Kerr said. “If we can push them around and move, our backs can get in the holes and do some damage. They’re physically big up front, and they’re mean, tough wrestlers. If they push us back, we’re going to struggle again.”
This week’s weather will be similar to last week’s, if not a little cooler. As of game time, the temperatures are predicted to be in the 50s. Kerr said the cooler weather benefits both teams.
“What it does, is take away the elements of the weather from affecting the game,” Kerr said. “What you hate to see is a kid who has worked his tail off all year to catch a cramp because it’s 90 percent humidity.
“So, I think that’s going to be eliminated and it’s going to come down to who wants to play football.”
Iola prepares for trench warfare with Prairie View
