By Hayden Swope

Kason Messenger was a first team all-league defensive lineman for Cheney last season. This year, Messenger and the Cardinals plan to come back stronger than ever. 

“I am most excited about the team chemistry we have built up over the offseason, we are coming back stronger at almost every single position with almost a whole returning roster with an eight and three record last year,” Messenger said.

With the Cardinal’s strong team chemistry, Messenger and the team have been putting in the work all offseason to show their strengths on the field. 

“This offseason has been really big,” Messenger said. “Our team workouts have been really intense and we have a lot of energy every single morning getting better. I also have been training with a specific trainer to work on speed and strength along with D-line work as well. I have been to a lot of college camps this summer to put myself out there and to be the best I possibly can this year.”

This being his senior year, Messenger wants this year to be as memorable as possible, with a big championship win to wrap it up. 

“As a team we want to win state, no less,” Messenger said. “We have lots of guys with experience and the entire team is brought in and putting the work in. Individually I just want to purely dominate at what I do every down. Accolades and stats will come with it but I don’t have any specific numbers in mind.”

While this may be his last season for the Cardinals, Messenger has hopes to continue playing football outside of Cheney, while also continuing his education. 

“I most definitely want to play college football in the future,” Messenger said. “I plan on studying sports health of some sort while playing college football.”