Bulldogs win for new head coach

SNOOK – After leading throughout the first half, it took a come from behind finish for Iola to pick up a 27-24 win over Snook. The first win under new head coach Rex Sharp.

Snook scored consecutive touchdowns in the fourth quarter to take a 2421 lead with 1:12 remaining. The first of the two scores, a 22-yard pass from J. Beaux Hruska to Joshua Green. The conversion failed and Iola held onto a 21-18 lead.

J. Beaux Hruska connected with Brett Withem for 27 yards to take a 24-21 lead. The kick failed. On the ensuing possession, Iola used a big 40-yard pass connection from Tyler Elliott to Blake Bennett to set up a 20-yard touchdown run from Austin Calvillo, his second touchdown of the game. The kick failed finalizing the score 27-24.

I’m proud of our kids and coaches,” said Sharp. “It was a tough game, and it is very important to pull out a victory in close games. We took a step in the right direction.”

Iola scored first with 5:06 remaining in the opening quarter. Senior Kyler Dreher punched it in from a yard out. Hector Arzola split the uprights to complete the score.

Snook answered in the second on a 1-yard run by J. Beaux Hruska. Iola stopped the Blujays short on the conversion attempt. The Bulldogs extended their lead 35 seconds before halftime. Calvillo hauled in a pass from Elliott and took it to the house from 44 yards out.

J. Beaux Hruska connected on a 7-yard pass to Jacob Castaneda with 56 seconds remaining in the third quarter narrowing the lead to two. The conversion failed.

Iola extended their lead 22 seconds into the fourth, as Elliott barreled across the goal line from a yard out. Arzola connected on the point after.

Snook (0-1) plays at Brazos Christian (0-1) Sept. 1. Iola (1-0) hosts Normangee (0-1). Both games are slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.