Iola-Scandinavia claims conference title
By Holly Neumann
The Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds traveled to Amherst to take on the Falcons on Oct. 12, in a showdown for the Central Wisconsin Conference-Large title.
The T-Birds came away with a 31-15 victory, ending the Falcons four-year streak of being on top.
“This feels great,” said I-S Coach Scott Erickson. “This was a total team effort. When the guys all do their jobs it works out for us as a team.”
The T-Birds were the first to score on a 1-yard run by Bryce Huettner. Connor Kurki kicked the extra point putting I-S in the lead at 7-0.
Amherst came within scoring distance but could not score the touchdown. Later, Josh Bandy put the Falcons on the board with a 24-yard field goal, bringing the score to 7-3.
In the second quarter Kurki found the end zone on a 1-yard run and Carter Snyder later blocked an Amherst punt that was picked up by Ed Bonikowske. Bonikowske ran the ball in for another T-Bird touchdown, giving I-S a 19-3 lead at the half.
Amherst got the only score in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Josh Rieck. With the 2-point conversion failing, the score stood at 19-9.
In the final quarter, Kurki connected with Will Cady on a 51-yard pass and Huettner ran the ball in once again for the T-Birds.
Josh Bandy scored for Amherst, but it was not enough and the T-Birds took the win.
Topping the stats for Iola-Scandinavia was Kurki who connected on 3 of 6 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown. He also carried the ball 8 times for 42 yards.
Huettner led the rushing with 27 carries for 131 yards.
I-S had a total of 305 yards, with 130 in the air and 175 on the ground.
Leading the way for Amherst was Lincoln Cullen who completed 9 of 21 passes for 110 yards. Cullen also carried the ball 18 times for 31 yards.
Amherst had a total of 202 yards with 110 in the air and 92 on the ground.
The win for I-S ends a seven year losing streak to the Falcons.
