Curtains close for Bulldog’s season

SMITHVILLE - The Iola Bulldogs played in their first playoff game since 2020, but fell short to Falls City, 35-0, at Smithville High School Nov. 9.

The Beavers may have been more equipped for the rainy, cold conditions. Falls City was on a roll with long successful throws and runs. Iola’s defense simply could not catch up.

Iola threatened twice but could not prevail. They turned the ball over on fourth-down both times.

This year, Iola will graduate eight seniors including: Blake Bennet (wide receiver, and linebacker), Kage Lee (wide receiver, linebacker), Kyler Dreher (halfback, defensive end), Caden Jordan (wide receiver, defensive back), Cullen Walton (wide receiver, defensive back), backup quarterback, John England who also played (wide receiver, defensive back), Chris Arzola (kicker, wide receiver, linebacker) and Cadence Shive (wide receiver, defensive end).

“I am very proud of our kids and coaches,” said Iola Head Coach Rex Sharp. “Making the high school playoffs is such an honor for these kids. They earned the right in the most competitive district in Class 2A Division 2 in the State of Texas.”

Sharp continued, “There were many key players, but it takes an entire team to play this game. I am very proud of our seniors and blessed to have coached them. I set the goal last year that I wanted them to get in the state playoffs, and they did just that. What a memory for them to be a part of changing the culture at Iola in football.”

While these players transition into basketball season, they will also eagerly await realignment to come out in February 2024 to see who they will go head-to-head with for the next two years.