TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – After last year’s heartbreaking ending, it’s safe to say the Wildcats are hungry for redemption.

Coming off the high point of an undefeated season, Hayden football fell short of the 3A title in the championship game against Cheney. That loss is now a major motivator for the returning players.

Although Hayden has lost some key players, including one of the fastest players in program history, Finn Dunshee, the team returns a fairly experienced player – something they plan to use to their advantage, according to head coach Bill Arnold.

This season, some players will switch positions and also be asked to fill in on both sides of the ball.

It is clear that the pain of losing in last season’s championship game still lingers and the experienced players on the team are using this as motivation for themselves and the younger players.

“I know that I and the other guys on the team are doing so well. The loss took us to a whole new level compared to last year. The loss motivates us immensely,” said senior fullback and defensive tackle Broderick Desch.

Senior tight end Treyton Tetuan added, “Teaching the younger players that tradition is a big deal here in this state and pushing them to win state is all we want to do, that’s our goal.”

Arnold believes that while a loss like that can spur any team to return to the state championship and win, at Hayden that’s exactly what’s expected every season regardless.

“I think it’s natural to be that close and not win the state championship. You want to get back there, but we have such a rich tradition here at this school, I mean that’s the expectation every year,” Arnold said. “With the number of players coming back on both sides of the ball, we should be ahead early.”

Hayden will face some new opponents this season and will open the season on the road against Eudora on September 6th.

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