WILDCATS LOOK TO RELOAD FOR 2026

MOUNDRIDGE WILDCAT FOOTBALL PREVIEW

By Staff

     It looks like a challenge is ahead for the Moundridge football program as they look to replace 13 graduated seniors while trying to keep the Wildcats among the Heart of America League’s consistent contenders for the 2026 season.

     After finishing 2025 with a 4-2 league record and an 8-3 overall mark, the Wildcats will enter the new season with fresh faces, new roles, and familiar expectations.

     Tyler O’Connor returns to lead the program, now 26-5 through three seasons. Assisted by Chase Hansen, Jared Kaufman, DaWayne Stos, and Brandon Kaufman – the Wildcats will continue to run the spread option offense and stop opponents running a 3-4 defense.

     Moundridge has a small but experienced core of players to work with, including senior Logan Greenwalt, who returns as one of the league’s most versatile athletes. Playing both receiver and defensive back in 2025, Greenwalt recorded 47 tackles and made three interceptions.

     Up front, the Wildcats will have back a trio of physical senior linemen with Atley Lichti, Logan Wulf, and Garet Wedel – each playing a part of an offensive front that helped produce 2,000-plus yards rushing while allowing just four quarterback sacks. Wedel also returns on the defensive side as the team sack leader of 2025 with three to go with 45 tackles, of which nine were recorded as a loss of yardage.

     Special teams will be a major strength, as the Wildcats have a strong kicking game with senior kicker/punter Cyrus Blough. Blough connected on 39-of-41 extra point kicks, recorded 20 touchbacks while having a season-high 62-yard punt and 56-yard field goal.

     Coach O’Connor expects new leaders to emerge quickly as senior Tone Wilson and junior Blayne Schriner headline the competition in the backfield. Juniors Logan DenHartog and JD Storer add athletic depth while sophomores Raymond Kaufman (6’4”, 220 lbs.) and Cooper Schmidt (6’3”, 175 lbs.) bring size to the trenches and tight end spots.

     The Wildcats kick off the 2026 season with a road trip to Sterling on Friday, September 4. Sterling went 13-0 and won the league title.

     Coach O’Connor finished his pre-season reflections by noting, “Anytime you lose 13 seniors, you know the next group will have to step up. I see a team with physical runners, tough linemen, and lots of room to grow. We have a strong core of kids stepping into roles this season, and we expect they will continue to grow as the season goes on.”

     With returning talent in key spots and a wave of underclassmen ready for varsity minutes, the Wildcats aim to reload and stay firmly in the mix for another postseason push.

WILDCATS 2026 SCHEDULE:

Friday, Sept. 4 – at Sterling

Friday, Sept. 11 – hosting Sedgwick

Friday, Sept. 18 – hosting Ellinwood

Friday, Sept. 25 – at Conway Springs

Friday, Oct. 2 – hosting Hutchinson Trinity

Friday, Oct. 9 – at Hillsboro

Friday, Oct. 16 – hosting Remington

Friday, Oct. 23 – at Inman