Moundridge Football Looks to Build on Strong Foundation in 2025
Wildcats aim for continued success despite positional changes and new classification challenges
MOUNDRIDGE, KS – Coming off back-to-back district championships and a 16-2 overall record under head coach Tyler O'Connor, the Moundridge High School football program enters 2025 with high expectations and familiar challenges.
The Wildcats finished 7-1 last season before falling to Hutchinson Trinity, but O'Connor describes the campaign as more complex than the record suggests.
"Our season last year can be best described as a roller coaster," O'Connor said. "We had our ups and our downs and had to learn on the fly in a lot of situations. I thought our senior class did a great job in their roles as leaders and were great examples for our younger players' development."
Now operating in Class 1A, Moundridge will lean heavily on a large senior class while navigating significant positional changes across the roster.
Summer Foundation
The Wildcats invested heavily in offseason preparation, emphasizing physical development and team chemistry.
"This summer we really put an emphasis on our speed and strength development," O'Connor explained. "We lifted 4 days a week and speed trained 2 days a week. We put a big emphasis on attendance and effort during our summer sessions."
The program held team camp in early June, followed by weekly practices and passing game meetings, culminating in a jamboree against Hesston.
"Overall, our summer production and development will play a significant role in the product we field this season," O'Connor noted.
Key Returners Lead the Way
The Wildcats return significant talent on both sides of the ball, headlined by senior Kaizer Kanitz, a three-sport standout who earned first-team all-league honors at wide receiver, defensive back, and return specialist in 2024.
Kanitz posted impressive numbers last season with 47 receptions for 718 yards and 11 touchdowns, plus 19 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He also returned eight punts for 166 yards and two scores.
Other key returners include senior Paul Grill, who led the ground attack with 328 rushing yards and five touchdowns while anchoring the defense with 52 tackles, and senior punter/kicker Cyrus Blough, who earned first-team all-league recognition at both positions.
"Offensively we return Kaizer Kanitz, Paul Grill, Layton Schmidt, Thomas Jenkins, Will Broemmer, Logan Wulf, Logan Greenwalt, Atley Lichti, and Fynn Burge who all played significant roles on last year's team," O'Connor said.
Fresh Faces Expected to Contribute
Several newcomers and underclassmen are poised to make immediate impacts, including newcomers Garet Wedel (offensive line/linebacker), Heath Churchill (receiver/secondary), Easton Shahan (defensive back/receiver), and Maverick Logue (both lines), along with junior Josh Koehn at receiver and defensive back.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the returning talent, O'Connor acknowledges the road ahead won't be easy, particularly with players adapting to new positions.
"The biggest challenge will be kids taking on new roles within the offense and defense," he said. "Some kids shuffled around at positions and it will take time to develop into those roles through experience. I look forward to watching these guys develop as the year goes on."
The Heart of America League schedule presents its own obstacles, with every district game carrying playoff implications.
"Always a tough question to answer as all of them will be big in their own metrics," O'Connor said when asked about key games. "Our district schedule is tough and meaningful in regards to playoff eligibility."
Season Goals
With a program culture built on continuous improvement, the Wildcats have set straightforward but ambitious goals for 2025.
"We will ultimately have a goal to field an improved team on a weekly basis," O'Connor said. "We will also aim to give ourselves the opportunity to compete in the playoffs."
Moundridge opens the 2025 season September 5 at home against Bennington, beginning what the program hopes will be another successful chapter in its recent run of excellence.
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