HUMBOLDT — The Iola Mustangs gave area fans plenty to look forward to this Friday in Baldwin after wrapping up their preseason jamboree at the Humboldt Sports Complex with multiple appearances in the end zone.
Despite facing larger programs in 4A Labette County, 4A Chanute and 2A perennial powerhouse Humboldt, the Iola Mustangs proved they could hold their own.
“These kids took it a little personal. They were not scared at all,” Iola coach David Daugharthy said. “We knew we weren’t going to be the biggest team. The kids up front just embraced it. They knew they had to be quick off the ball. Did we get put down a couple of times, yeah, but they got back up and did it again.”
Junior quarterback Kale Pratt and senior receiver Austin Crooks made for a deadly combination. The duo put Pratt’s well-rehearsed pump-fake to great effect as defenders bit, then found themselves greatly out of position as Pratt connected with Crooks on an arcing pass.
“I was just finding open space, and he was putting it out there for me to go get it,” Crooks said. “We just started doing the pump-fake tonight. It was the first time.”
Sophomore running back Kevon Loving scorched defenses for double-digit gains on multiple occasions, including a 31-yard touchdown against Labette. While Iola’s offense seemed the belle of Friday’s preseason ball, the Mustangs’ defense quietly stole the show by shutting out Humboldt and Labette while holding their own against Chanute.
“I’m just trying to use this opportunity for the best,” said sophomore linebacker Noah Anderson, who filled in for injured Iola senior Easton Weseloh. “Easton got hurt, so I just stepped up to be a guy my team can rely on. How aggressive we were, getting off the ball and making plays, it (speed) helps.”
Iola seemed a dark horse candidate for a run at the Pioneer League title. Humboldt, in contrast, seems mired in a rebuild after Iola, Chanute and Labette County held the Cubs scoreless. Some coaches approached the jamboree as a contest. Humboldt coach Logan Wyrick saw it as an extended practice. The only difference was the color of the uniforms opposing players wore.
“We’re just trying to see things. We had a big and talented senior class graduate for us,” Wyrick said. “We had about eight kids out tonight on the sidelines. Some needed extra practices and some were banged up. You can’t help but compete and see how your kids play but as a coach I’m just going down my list. There are X amount of plays I want to see offensively and other things I want to see.”
Wyrick’s cool as a cucumber approach stopped last Friday. With the Cubs heading on the road for the season opener against Caney Valley Friday, Wyrick said the intensity of practices will increase. 
“Caney Valley is always tough — up years, down years, it doesn’t matter. They’re going to give you a tough game every time,” Wyrick said. “It will probably be a knock-down, drag-out fight like it’s been the past couple of times. We have some things to figure out, but we’re looking forward to it.”
