Wamego football looks to stay competitive by holding defensive standard

WAMEGO (KSNT) – One of the best high school defenses in Kansas plans to keep that standard in 2024.

Wamego football only gave up 9.08 points per game in 2022 and 11.25 points per game in 2023.

"A lot of people...when think about Wamego, they think like we hit the hardest. We always play the hardest, and our defense made sure of that," senior linebacker Mason Flerlage said. "There's so many teams that say they're glad we're not on the schedule anymore because we put a beating on them."

Having a strong, tough defense has paid off for the Red Raiders. The team lost to powerhouse Bishop Miege in the 4A state title game in 2022 and fell a game shy of that game in 2023.

"When you have a good defense, it helps your offense," head coach Weston Moody said. "So hopefully we can help out a little bit on offense by scoring more points and helping the defense out."

Wamego only returns seven starters, but the ones coming back want to continue the recent trend of success.

"We got some new faces, but these guys are hungry and are learning from the older guys," Moody said. "I expect nothing less than what we've done the last two years."

As a secret weapon, Wamego also boasts a special player in its special teams. Senior punter/kicker Brody Graber is ranked as the No. 35 punter in the nation.

"It's been really cool, it's been a long way, but when I got that [direct message] from [Division I Vanderbilt], it was pretty cool," Graber said of his national recognition.

The Red Raiders start their season on the road, at Concordia on Sept. 6.