Cardinal Football Gears Up for the Season

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg High School football is in full swing again. Gabe Kiefel is in his third year as head coach for the Cardinals. This season, Kiefel will be assisted by Lash LaRue, who has been promoted to offensive coordinator, and Dane Kiefel as the defensive coordinator. Greg Crenshaw, Matt Hamilton, and Marco Reyes will coach the offensive and defensive line. Hamilton will also coach special teams, and Josh Gonzales joins this year, helping with running backs and linebackers.

Kiefel believes this will be a good season for the team. He said there are seven returning seniors who will contribute to the leadership and success of the team.

Jarod Hankins is returning as the line captain, playing on the offensive and defensive line. He is a four-year starter and should continue giving opponents grief. Victor Whitmore is a lineman who will bring his strength and expertise to center, tackle, and defensive end.

Isa Reyes returns as a three-year starter. His role has broadened and will add receiver to his resumé as he continues at quarterback. Martin Vasquez will serve as a running back on offense and a cornerback on defense. On defense, Tucker Hamilton comes back as the starting middle linebacker after leading the team in tackles last season. Hamilton will have a bigger role this year on offense as a tight end and wide receiver. Kyle Lindsay will be playing on the offensive and defensive line.

Brenton Segraves, another returning starter, will join the team as soon as he is off the injured reserve list. Segraves is recovering from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident after another driver struck his vehicle.

Returning juniors on the Cardinal squad are JJ Gleason, who will lead the offense as quarterback. Gleason will also dominate the defense at cornerback. Landen Henry will play wide receiver, cornerback, and safety on defense. Junior Fredy Chaves is new to football this year, but coaches feel he will find a way onto the field through his strong work ethic and leadership.

The Cardinals have three sophomores, Bryer Paul, Gavin Mikesell, and Camdyn Vories, vying for playing time on the varsity team. They are joined by freshmen Carter Barron, Liam Kiefel, Jake Lynch, Gage Mynear, Carsyn Pennington, Alex Watson, Uriah York, and Alex Zuniga.

The coaches say they are seeing a positive atmosphere, and the team will be competitive against opponents this season. The biggest challenges will be DeSales, Pomeroy, and Garfield-Palouse.

The Cardinals will play in a jamboree at Pomeroy on August 29 and take on the DeSales Irish in Waitsburg on September 5; kickoff at 7 p.m.