SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Sedgwick Cardinals
A new era of Sedgwick football kicks off this fall under longtime Kansas coaching veteran Lee Weber, and despite roster turnover and a late-spring coaching change, the Cardinals have no plans of slowing down.
“I think we have a very hungry group of young men,” said Weber, who begins his 23rd season overall as a head coach, but his first at Sedgwick. “Our hope is to execute at an even higher level in the future.”
Sedgwick finished 8-2 in 2024, going 5-1 in the Heart of America League and 3-1 in district play. The Cardinals return six starters on offense and five on defense, highlighted by a veteran core of skill players and offensive linemen that have helped maintain Sedgwick’s fast-paced spread identity.
Seniors Owen Luper (589 yards, 5 TDs) and Noah Little (469 yards, 7 TDs) lead a dynamic receiver group, while Maverick Stauth returns to the backfield after averaging 6.2 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns last season. Stauth also led the defense with 86 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.
“Offensively, we return several starting receivers including Owen Luper and Noah Little,” Weber said. “Stauth and [defensive lineman] Riley Queen provide a one-two punch in the backfield.”
The offensive line brings back three starters, Cole McGinn, Michael Petersen, and Layton Benjamin, from a unit that averaged 270 passing yards and 150 rushing yards per game in 2024. Sophomore Holden Ferralez is expected to step in at quarterback after a promising sub-varsity season cut short by injury.
Defensively, Sedgwick will lean on a mix of returning starters and rising contributors. Luper and Little anchor the secondary, while Henry Morse, Max Lynch, and others will take on larger roles at linebacker and along the line.
“Our defense needs to hold opponents under two scores and be the best tackling team in the state,” Weber said. “Special teams being special and an advantage is critical to our success next year.”
Despite stepping into the role in late May, Weber said the summer program has been strong and productive. “We’ve taken some major steps in the right direction,” he said. “Our linemen have really done a great job putting in work, and our skill players are committed to honing the passing game that Sedgwick has been known for.”
Weber inherits a program that’s made the playoffs in each of the last several seasons and is known for its speed, discipline, and offensive firepower. His staff includes seasoned assistants Doug Mabry, Tim Hendrickson, Carey McFann, and new quarterbacks/corners coach Cory Ferralez, who brings high-level 7-on-7 experience to the mix.
As for 2025, the expectations remain high.
“Our number one goal is to go 1-0 each week,” Weber said. “We want to be a team that overachieves and is recognized for its speed, toughness, discipline, and will to win. We have some definite holes to fill, but we have hungry kids that are ready to work for it.”
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 at Sterling
Sept. 12 vs. Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic
Sept. 19 vs. Herington
Sept. 26 vs. Marion
Oct. 3 at Salina-Sacred Heart
Oct. 10 at Inman
Oct. 17 vs. Moundridge
Oct. 24 at Remington