After putting together a 10-1 season in 2025, Hoisington High School enters the 2026 football season with a clear goal: finish the job and win a state championship.
Coach Zach Baird, who is entering his 12th year at Hoisington, said the Cardinals know there are areas they must improve if they want to make a championship run.
“Our team goals are to win a state championship,” Baird said.
The Cardinals will spend the offseason focused on developing the traits Baird believes will be critical to reaching that goal. Improving team speed and developing toughness will be among the team’s biggest priorities heading into the season.
“We have to improve team speed and develop some toughness throughout the summer,” Baird said.
Hoisington returns a senior-heavy group on both sides of the ball, giving the Cardinals plenty of experienced players to build around.
The offensive group includes senior running backs Preston Merlau, a 6-foot, 190-pounder, Kaidenn Chambers, a 5-11, 175-pounder, and Brody Pfannenstiel, a 6-4, 225-pounder. Senior Kolter Hahn, a 5-11, 160-pound quarterback, also returns to lead the offense.
The offensive line features seniors Brody Corbett, a 5-10, 190-pound lineman, and Karson Kinman, a 6-2, 240-pound lineman.
Defensively, Hoisington also has a group of six seniors expected to play important roles. Drew Hekele, a 6-4, 190-pound defensive lineman, and Gavin Jackson, a 6-foot, 240-pound defensive lineman, give the Cardinals size up front.
The secondary features seniors Thomas Higgins, a 5-9, 160-pound defensive back; Logan Cossel, a 5-11, 165-pound defensive back; Corbyn Holinde, a 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back; and Leyton Mooney, a 5-11, 205-pound defensive back.
With experience throughout the roster and a championship goal established from the outset, Hoisington will look to use the summer to develop the speed and toughness necessary to take the next step.
The Cardinals’ 10-1 record from a year ago provides a strong foundation, but Baird knows the team will need to continue improving if it wants to turn a successful season into a championship one.
For Hoisington, the objective is straightforward: get better throughout the summer, develop as a team and make a run at a state title.
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