Football secures 1st winning record since 1997

Justin Carlson | opinion editor

Charger football secured its first winning season since 1997 with a 49-0 win over Horton Friday night.

“It’s awesome. It’s incredibly fun and very exciting to see the kids get that accomplishment,” coach Jess Rutledge said.

Aside from ending a 24-year dry spell, the team also set a new record for biggest shutout victory in school history. According to the Manhattan Mercury, it is the largest shutout victory for Wabaunsee in terms of games listed on the Kansas High School Football History website. The biggest shutout wins prior to Friday were 42-0 over Herington in 2013 and 47-0 over Onaga in 1976.

Senior quarterback Cade Oliver also broke one of his own school records. Oliver went 16-for-21 for 272 yards and six touchdown passes, which set a single-game school record.

“It feels good after putting in the work for four years. This year our team is more like a family and our chemistry is the best it’s been,” Oliver said.

The team faces 6-1 Centralia Friday in its last regular season game. The Chargers will potentially host a Bi-District match up the following week.