6 - Playoff Pride: Football & Volleyball Battle for Glory

This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, it's all about playoff season! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with both the volleyball and football programs as they make their postseason runs. We've got Girls Varsity Coach, Miss, and Varsity Football Coach, Eric Blenden, alongside their senior leaders who are leaving it all on the court and field.On the volleyball side, seniors Ava Bessette (Libero), Rylee Goodney (Setter), Kylan Thomas (Defensive Specialist), and Shaylee McKowan (Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist) share what it's like heading into the state semifinals after winning district and qualifying for the fifth round of playoffs. They talk about the importance of trust, connection, film study, and how Miss keeps them calm and focused when it matters most.The football crew—seniors Austin Calvillo (Running Back/Receiver), Brody Vaughn (Wide Receiver/Cornerback), Cody Samples (O-Line/D-Line), and Tyler Elliott (Quarterback/Linebacker)—discuss Coach Blenden's one-word focus for the season: PRIDE. They dive into what it means to take pride in everything they do, from eating and sleeping right to those grueling 6:30 AM workouts that are paying off with a 7-3 record heading into their playoff matchup.Both teams emphasize the tight bonds they've built—team dinners, hanging out off the field, and trusting each other completely. They share favorite memories (including an epic rap battle at a tournament!), talk about their pre-game pump-up music, and explain what legacy they want to leave for underclassmen: work hard, have fun, and soak up every moment because it goes by fast.The episode wraps up with the LONGEST Spike's Top Dog Trivia tiebreaker session—a boys vs. girls battle testing how well football players know volleyball and vice versa. Spoiler: these athletes know each other's sports WAY better than expected, leading to multiple tiebreakers and some hilarious moments!Come support the Bulldogs this week—volleyball plays Shiner Saturday at 1:00 PM in Brenham, and football takes on Sabinal Thursday, November 13th at 7:00 PM. Let's pack those stands!Learn more about Iola ISD on their website HERE Follow Iola ISD on Facebook HERE Got a tip, tale, or shoutout? Email us at [email protected]