IOLA, Kan. – The Iola Mustangs closed out the regular season with a 37-34 win over Girard on Friday at Riverside Park, earning their third consecutive victory and finishing the night in front of one of the season’s liveliest crowds for Senior Night.
Girard entered the game at 5-2, with both teams battling for the No. 3 seed in the district. Iola finished with 510 yards of total offense, including 378 rushing yards.
Junior quarterback Reed Clift accounted for five touchdowns, rushing for four scores and throwing for another. He finished with 255 yards on 24 carries and completed six of 11 passes for 132 yards. His touchdown pass came on a 65 yard connection with Kale Pratt in the third quarter, helping Iola get back into the game.
Iola trailed 28-15 at halftime but battled back to take the lead in the second half. Clift’s 46-yard rushing touchdown helped put the Mustangs in front before Girard answered with a score of its own. Clift later scored from three yards out and converted the two-point attempt to give Iola a 37-34 lead.
The Mustangs’ defense held Girard scoreless in the fourth quarter and came up with a key stop on downs to secure the win. Kevon Loving added 106 rushing yards for Iola.
Iola now enters the postseason as the No. 9 seed in the East and will travel to face No. 8 Columbus. The Titans defeated the Mustangs 33-21 on October 2, handing Iola its most recent loss. Since that game, Iola has won three straight and averaged 50.3 points per game. The two teams will meet again in the opening round of the playoffs.
