Cardinal Football Senior Night

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg's last home game was cancelled due to illness on the St. John-Endicott Eagles team. Since it was Senior Night, the Cardinals staff arranged a flag football game against alumni-community members.

Before the game, students and community members enjoyed a BBQ before the senior football players, cheerleaders, and their families were recognized.

Karen Huwe

Senior football players and their families (l-r): Jackson Karl, Lucas VanHoose, Cougar Anderson, Will Ahler, William Daves

Once the flag football match began, the Cardinals looked to run away with the game in the first half. Short passes and players with young legs dominated to take a 22-12 lead at halftime.

Karen Huwe

Matt Hamilton hits the ground after grabbing the flag off of Cougar Anderson.  (l-r): Josh Gonzales, Joe Greer, Gabe Kiefel, Anderson, Brenton Segraves, Hamilton

Rising above their aches and pains, the old guys rallied in the second half and won 45-38.

"It was a good way to honor the seniors tonight. There were a lot of smiles and laughs," said Coach Gabe Kiefel. "I was happy to see the current team play so well, and the old guys gave it their all."

Karen Huwe

JJ Gleason caught a pass and ran for a first down, as he has done all season.   # 6 Martin Vasquez

"A big thank you to the parents, staff, and students for coming out to honor our senior players," said Kiefel.

It was a great community event overall. Thanks to paraeducators Lash LaRue and Chris Andrews, who organized the impromptu game.

The Cardinals finished third in the Wheat League and will take on the third-place team from the Grape League, Sunnyside Christian. The league crossover game will be played on Friday, November 1, at Granger High School starting at 7 p.m.

The Cardinals will play a second crossover game against a team from the North league on Friday, November 8. Play-off games will be determined after the November 8 game.