TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – The bar is set high for Washburn Rural Football for the 2024 season.
In 2023, the Junior Blues went nearly undefeated, missing the 6A state championship by just one game.
“I feel like that last game was on our minds all season, and we worked really hard to get back there and win the next one,” said veteran receiver Blake Recinos.
With many players from the 11-1 team returning, they have high expectations for this year.
“When you build a good culture, you’re in the playoffs a lot and you go far, everyone is happy to always be at that level,” said head coach Steve Buhler. “Next year’s seniors always want to get even or even further. If they don’t, they’re not very competitive. And our group is pretty competitive.”
The Junior Blues will have a new starter in the starting lineup this fall, and Coach Buhler likes the healthy competition he sees between the candidates.
While it may be difficult to repeat last year’s dominant winning streak, this team feels ready for another deep postseason run.
“I think our chemistry is going to be our biggest strength,” said senior safety King Leonard. “A lot of us have been playing together for a while, we know each other. We know when to pick each other up. If someone goes down, we have complete trust in our brothers to pick us back up.”
Washburn Rural opens the season on September 6th by hosting Shawnee Heights.
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