Cardinals win after dramatic forfeit

The football season ended before halftime on Friday, November 3, in Waitsburg against St. John-Endicott (SJE).

WAITSBURG - After stopping the SJE Eagles on the opening kickoff, running back Brenton Segraves got the Cardinals on the scoreboard early with a sweep around the outside. The defense continued to stop the Eagles on each of their possessions, including a defensive touchdown by JJ Gleason. Behind big plays by quarterback Isa Reyes, running backs Cyson Morris and Koyen Fortune, and big pass plays by Blake French and Jayce Gleason, the Cardinals led 38-0.

With about two minutes left in the second quarter, the Eagles gained momentum. They were within 10 yards of the endzone when a Cardinal and an Eagle player were ejected for head-butting each other.

Two plays later, the SJE quarterback's helmet slipped position during the tackle and came back down, breaking the player's nose. According to Coach Gabe Keifel, the Eagles' coaches charged the field, spewing profanities, got flagged, and were ejected. The SJE athletic director informed the referees that the Eagles were forfeiting the game. They quickly left the field and loaded the bus for home.

"It was a strange way to end the season," said Kiefel. "I have never seen anything like it."

For Senior Night, the four senior football players, Blake French, Jayce Gleason, Cyson Morris, Reuben Yutzy, and senior cheerleader Abbi Paolino, were recognized before the game with their families.

"I can't help but feel as though our players got bilked out of their final half of the season. They didn't get a full final game, and the younger players who would have gotten a lot of playing time with the lead we had, missed their chance to get in the game," he added.

The Cardinals ended the season with a 5-5 record competing in a new league, playing a new game (8-man football), and with new coaches.

"I would like to thank our coaches, Dane Kiefel, Greg Crenshaw, Matt Hamilton and Lash LaRue. They made coming to practices and games so smooth. They worked their tails off. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife and family for their support. Football season always gets busy, and I am lucky to have a supportive family that understands the commitment," said Coach Kiefel.