MEDFORD CARDINALS
Coach: BLAKE LAMLE
8-3
OFFENSE
The Cardinals return a strong core of players from last season’s squad, which advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Head coach Blake Lamle is optimistic about what lies ahead for Medford. “We won our district last season but were knocked out in the second round,” Lamle said. “The outlook is very positive. We return six starters on offense and five on defense. Our quarterback, running back, and wide receivers are all back. We’ll need to replace one guard and a tight end, but with the nucleus of the team returning, we’re aiming for another great year.” One of the key returners is running back Ethan Gonzales, who has been a standout performer for the Cardinals. After rushing for over 1,000 yards as a freshman, he missed his sophomore year due to a knee injury suffered in the first week of the season. He bounced back impressively last year, again eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark, and is expected to be a major contributor this fall. Another dynamic presence in the backfield is Reagan Gottsch, an explosive runner with the ability to break big plays if he finds open space. At wide receiver, Reese Royal looks to step into a starting role. With his impressive length and leaping ability, he’ll be a serious threat in the passing game.
DEFENSE
The Cardinal defense was a strong unit last season, holding opponents to an average of just 17 points per game. This year, they aim to maintain that same level of stinginess. The secondary returns a talented trio in Kingston Edwards (5-9, 170, Sr.), Cash Kelley (6-2, 170, So.), and Ethan Gonzales, who combined for 149 tackles and 10 interceptions last season, three of which were returned for touchdowns. Their chemistry and playmaking ability make them a tough group for any offense to face. At linebacker, Gunner Ebert (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Trent Lohman (5-11, 180, Jr.) will patrol the middle of the field. Lohman tallied 54 tackles and two interceptions a year ago, while Ebert added 40 tackles of his own, providing steady production and leadership. Up front, Bo Clark (6-1, 215, Sr.) has been putting in the work during the offseason and is poised to be a disruptive force on the defensive line this year.
8-29 – at Cyril
9-5 – at Covington Douglas
9-12 – vs. Kremlin Hillsdale
9-19 – at Pond Creek Hunter
9-26 – vs. Oaks Mission
10-3 – at Bluejacket
10-16 – vs. Watts
10-24 – at Welch
10-31 – vs. Billings
11-7 – at South Coffeyville
