SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Haven Wildcats
After an impressive 8-2 campaign in 2024, the Haven Wildcats are turning to a new wave of skill players while leaning on a seasoned senior class to lead the charge into the 2025 football season.
Co-head coaches Drew Thalmann and Thomas Cooprider, both entering their seventh season at the helm, have guided Haven to a 32-25 overall record, including a 3-1 mark in the Central Kansas League last fall. The Wildcats reached the second round of the Class 2A playoffs before falling to Hoisington.
“While Haven is looking at having another good group of seniors returning, most of the offensive production graduated from an 8-2 2024 team,” the staff stated in their preseason outlook.
Seniors Van Loop, Aiden Hoopes, and Nash Wray combined to score 41 of Haven’s 51 total touchdowns last season. Replacing their production will be no small task, but coaches noted that sophomore Cole Brawner gained valuable experience filling in for Loop, and junior Brogan Wray, Nash’s younger brother, is expected to take over at quarterback.
Senior tight end and linebacker Grant Patry returns as a cornerstone on both sides of the ball after earning first-team All-League and All-District linebacker honors, along with second-team All-State recognition. Patry also received honorable mention at tight end.
The Wildcats return eight starters on offense and six on defense, part of a 14-member group of returning lettermen. The offensive line features plenty of experience, including seniors Aaron Logan (6-0, 220) and Jacob Myers, along with junior Cody Holzrichter (6-3, 285), a second-team All-League selection and honorable mention All-District pick.
Defensively, Haven brings back its top tackler in Patry, along with senior linebacker Jackson Wilder, who received honorable mention All-District honors, and senior defensive lineman Brock Marks.
Other key contributors include Zade Turner (WR/DB), Brogan Wray (FS/QB), and Cole Brawner (RB/LB).
Strengths for the 2025 Wildcats include a “large experienced senior class,” a “very good strength and conditioning program,” and a solid foundation from the Haven youth program. However, the staff acknowledged concerns about the “development of underclassmen” and “inexperienced skill positions.”
Haven will once again operate a Spread Option offense and a 4-4 defensive scheme as it looks to reload and contend in Class 2A.
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Hillsboro
Sept. 12 at Nickerson
Sept. 19 at Smoky Valley
Sept. 26 vs. Douglass
Oct. 3 at Garden Plain
Oct. 10 vs. Belle Plaine
Oct. 17 vs. Chaparral
Oct. 24 at Kingman