The Iola Mustangs put on a show as senior running back Easton Weseloh and senior receiver Austin Crooks each scored a trio of touchdowns Friday night.
With players suiting up for both teams, sometimes mid-drive, Friday’s Blue and Gold Scrimmage was less of a contest of two opposing teams and more of a showcase for things to come.
“I was proud of the kids,” Iola coach David Daugharthy said. “Obviously, scoring points also means getting scored on, but it was a good scrimmage. We saw good things on offense and we saw good things on defense, but ultimately as coaches what we saw was our team getting better.”
The most noticeable change this season was behind center with first-year starter Kale Pratt. Pratt takes over at quarterback for Crooks, who split time with Tre Wilson last season. Crooks switched to receiver last season while Wilson will forgo his senior year of football after accepting a baseball scholarship offer from Emporia State University.
“I just played like I knew I could play and encouraged my teammates,” said Pratt, who tallied four throwing touchdowns. “It felt good being out there and playing some ball. We’ve had chemistry for a while, me and him (Crooks) in middle school. I was receiving for a while, and now it’s him receiving, but we’ve always had chemistry.”
Another offensive standout was Weseloh. Looking to pick up where he left off in 2024, Weseloh made a habit of churning his feet for an extra yard when not making a home for himself in the end zone.
“I was running as hard as I could. It’s all I’ve ever done,” Weseloh said. “It’s what I live by. The O-line is going to be a big part. From the start of the scrimmage, the first play was not the greatest, but after that everything kept getting better.”
Although scored on often, Friday’s performance was not a mark against the Mustangs defense. With all drives starting inside their side of the 50-yard line, the defense faced an uphill battle. Sophomore plug defensive tackle Ramon Ballin made the most of his opportunities with a few blown up plays in the backfield, which complemented equally strong play from linebackers Weseloh and sophomore Kevon Loving.
“It was definitely a good show as to where we are as a team,” Ballin said. “There were pretty good aspects of the O-line and defensive line that I saw but there is always room for improvement. We’re restarting from ground zero next week. We’ll push as hard as we can for week one.”
The Mustangs now turn their attention to the Humboldt Jamboree, which allows Iola, Humboldt and Chanute to all take the field. The jamboree will be the only contest with Humboldt and Iola going head-to-head. The jamboree also allows Iola to rekindle their rivalry with Chanute, whose previous contests were once one of the biggest area rivalries before the Comets moved to the 4A division.
“We’ll see Humboldt and Chanute at the same time. I’m excited about this week,” Daugharthy said. “We’re in a good spot to make a good performance. I’m excited to see what we’re able to do.”
First snap for Friday’s jamboree is 6 p.m.
