After finishing the regular season schedule 9-0, the Cats continue into district play, knowing they will face a district of strong opponents.
This year was the first time that the football team has won back-to-back conference championships in over 30 years and the boys have really taken that into consideration for this year’s football season.
Last season, the team fell to Lamar, 13-15, in the district second round game. Lamar went on to win the Class 2 state title. This season, the Cats will face the 2024 Class 3 champions, Blair Oaks (9-0), in Class 2 District 5. The district also contains Centralia (8-1) and North Callaway (8-1).
Senior Wide Recevier Jace Hubert talks about how he thinks that they have a chance this year with districts if they just stick together as a team.
“It’s a tough District but I think if we put our mind to it we can accomplish a district championship. So I think if we as a team stick to the fundamentals then we can accomplish a district championship this year!”
Players recognize how much their coaches and the group of seniors have made a big impact on their season.
Sophomore Brecken Brewster, outside linebacker and running back believes that the team has some of the best coaches in the state.
“Our coaches impact the team a lot and they just do a great job at what they do and they’re some of the best coaches in the state and they are the reason that we have won back to back conference championships,” Brewster said.
Senior right tackle and defensive nose Isaac Henderson right tackle recognized the coaches have really helped them out with the season.
“They definitely help because we have some pretty good coaches up there and we definitely wouldn’t do near as good without them and with their effort everyday at practice; they just make us feel welcomed and loved because football is another family,” Henderson said.
This year, the team has many leaders and role models that includes the 11 seniors on the team.
These seniors include Ayden Burdick, Ryan Fajen, Josh Harvath, Luke Henderson, Isaac Henderson, Jace Hubert, JC Minks, Urijah Phillips, D’angelo Ramirez, and Sean Reinertsen.
Many of the younger players look up to them and count them as their role models, not only in football but in school as well.
Freshman running back and safety, Zach Simons, looks up to a lot of the seniors, especially Brennan Slavens.
“The Seniors really carry the team; they bring energy to every game and they help out the freshmen when needed. I, specifically, would like to point out Brennan Slavens because ever since I came here – even through summer weights – Brennan and the other seniors have always guided me to be doing the right things and they’ve always helped out when needed,” Simons said. “The sophomores have also been good leaders this year.”
Sophomore defensive end Brett Howe, also recognized the seniors’ dedication and how they always show encouragement.
“The seniors really drive us to work hard everyday and don’t take the day off and are always showing encouragement and pushing us to be our best,” Howe said.
