By Matt Browning

To open the 2022 season, Conway Springs went 0-3 and averaged just five points per game in those losses. But then something clicked.

The Cardinals proceeded to win seven straight games, including playoff victories over Plainville and Wabaunsee. That momentum is something head coach Matt Biehler carries over to the 2023 season.

“Our expectations are the same every year,” Biehler said. “We prepare to be a disciplined team that is tough to beat in the playoffs. To survive a deep run in November you must have a deep roster. Last year we had a majority of our players get varsity experience that will be extremely beneficial to this season.”

Conway Springs brings back two unanimous all-league standouts in running back and linebacker Brayden Kunz and offensive lineman Gunner Williams.

Kunz was unstoppable during the closing stretch of the season, as he rushed for over 1,000 of his 2,266 yards over the final five games of 2022.

Also back for the Cardinals are second team all-league defensive linemen Blake Pauly and Nathan Bernsten, as well as defensive back Taylor Wykes.

The improvement that occurred between Week 1 and Week 9 of the season was pronounced for Biehler and he know that kind of improvement must happen again if the Cardinals want to fulfill their ultimate goal of a state title, which would be their first since 2011.

“Our players have goals to get to Hays for the championship game,” Biehler said. “To achieve that goal we will need to stay healthy and improve week by week.”