Bulldogs win Battle of Highway 39

IOLA - The Iola Bulldogs remain undefeated to open the season, defeating the Normangee Panthers, 27-6, Sept. 1, at Bulldog Stadium.

The Bulldogs unleashed their offense early in the home opener, scoring on a 6-yard run by Austin Calvillo. Chris Arzola connected on the point-after giving Iola a 7-0 lead with 8:15 remaining in the first quarter.

“In the first half of the game, I thought we had control of the ball and if we kept it at our pace, we were going to come out on top with the win,” said Calvillo.

Iola threatened again in the first, but on fourthand- 8, Brent Walker picked off a Tyler Elliott pass intended for Blake Bennett.

Calvillo scores his second rushing touchdown to extend Iola’s lead, 13-0, with 8:54 remaining in the half. Arzola splits the uprights.

The Panthers pounced into the endzone for their lone score at the 2:13 mark of the third quarter. Keaton Whitehead hauled in a 40-yard pass from Dallas Jones. The conversion failed.

Iola answered with a pair of fourth quarter scores, a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Landon Betancourt and 15-yard quarterback keeper by Tyler Elliott, finalizing the score 27-6.

Examiner photo by Traci Mabry Iola senior defensive end Cadence Shive attempts to get past the Normangee offensive line during the Bulldogs home opener Sept. 1. The Bulldogs improve to 2-0 with the 27-6 win over the Panthers.

“Our read on the ball and the way we played together improved a lot coming in from the Snook game. Our secondary improved too,” said Calvillo.

Normagee (0-2) hosts Chilton (2-0) Sept. 8. Iola (2-0) hosts Lovelady (2-0). Both kickoffs are set for 7:30 p.m.