After finishing team camp, the Iola Mustangs will shift from preparation to evaluation with an eight-team joint practice at the Humboldt Sports Complex on Friday, a chance to compare their offseason progress against area programs. The Iola Register reports the practice will put the Mustangs’ developing offense and defense to the test as the season approaches.
The Mustangs used Wednesday’s session as a refresher while incorporating familiar players into new roles. Offensively, Iola coach David Daugharthy said the team is further along than this point last year, and the staff expects to see a mix of looks, including different offensive and defensive schemes from the groups they’ll face at the joint practice.
Defensively, Iola will operate a 42-style base defense as Doug Kerr takes over the head defensive duties following Trey Howard’s move to head coaching at Uniontown. The article also notes that the team is continuing to refine assignments and “wrinkles” beyond its base installation.
Incoming junior quarterback Reed Clift took most of the snaps during Wednesday’s work, after taking over starting duties midway through last season. With most skill-position starters returning, Clift is set to test his reads and throwing against other defensive schemes, supported by what the team views as increased depth heading into the new roster year.
Iola Mustangs take strides into the season with joint practice at Humboldt
