Wildcats Outscore Opponents 10-0, Look to Stay Undefeated

The Louisburg boys soccer team began their 2026 season with a 2-0 victory against Basehor-Linwood on the road.

The Wildcats followed up their Tuesday night win by traveling to Independence where they had a dominant, 8-0, mercy rule win, ending their week undefeated with two shutouts.

“The gameplan was executed very well,” head coach Dawson Schoning said. “ I would say that everything that was asked of them they have done up to this point and I have no quarrels with how they have listened and executed. The biggest takeaway that we have had through this first week’s matches is that we could be very good and we have to continue to work hard at practice and make sure that we continue to communicate on and off the field.”

Based off of week 1, the team looks strong and confident and that isn’t just shown on the field. “I would say the chemistry is something that really sets us apart from past Louisburg Boys soccer teams and even other teams in the State,” Schoning said. “From what I can tell, the boys genuinely like each other and like being around each other and it is a great sign of what could become of this season.”

The soccer team started strong on Tuesday, against Basehor-Linwood, with Cody Courtney scoring the first goal assisted by Ryder Erickson. The Wildcats closed out the first half winning 1-0, playing great defense. In the second half, Brody Bovaird had the second goal assisted by Parker Powers. Fritz Meyer had an impressive game with 9 saves.

Two days later, Louisburg traveled to Independence where they played an all around great game. The Wildcats shut out the Bulldogs 8-0, which resulted in a mercy rule when there was still 30 minutes left in the game. Erickson had a great game, scoring 3 goals and having 4 assists. Parker Powers also had 2 goals and an assist, while Mason Hull saw his first goal of his high school career and had an assist. Grant Basore also had an assist.

“I would say Ryder Erickson has stood out the most through our first two games.” said Schoning. “Through the first two games he has 3 goals and 5 assists which is outstanding.” Schoning also brought up Courtney, who has 3 goals and 1 assist through the first two games, and Meyer, who has 13 saves through 2 games, including a penalty kick save.

This 2026 Louisburg team is definitely something to watch out for and has shown impressive qualities that can lead them to do big things. The boys displayed both impressive defense and offense in week 1 and really made a statement in 4A soccer. The future of this season looks very bright.

-Bo Ballard

Upcoming for the Wildcats…

After a very successful opening week the boys soccer team will face two more teams in the following week.

“Our opening week went pretty well,” said Schoning. “We went 2-0 and have scored 10 goals while our opponents during that time have scored 0. We played 2 teams that gave us a tough game last year and we played them both pretty well this year.”

On September 8, 2026 the team will play against Pittsburg High School at Wildcat Stadium. “Next week’s games will be a big test for us. We have Pittsburg on Tuesday at home. This will be our first home game played on the new facility against a team that beat us last year with a late winner. We are excited about the opportunity to play them at home this year,” said Schoning. Louisburg ended up winning last night 3-1 against Pittsburg.

Then on Thursday, the boys soccer team will go on the road and face off against Bonner Springs. Varsity will kick off at 8pm. “We will go on the road to play Bonner Springs who is going to be a really tough opponent this year and it will be our first league game. It is a big deal that we win that game and start off on the right track in league play,” Schoning said.

The team has had short, but hard practices to get ready for not only this week but for their whole seasons. “Our practices have been good. We wish we could have longer practices but with the heat and having to go in the morning we have really just had to make do with what we have,” said Schoning. “Our practices are tough however and the boys have really put in a lot of work this week and we are excited for the weeks to come.”

Next week will bring new challenges, but the questions still remain. Will the Louisburg High School boys soccer team keep the streak alive?

– Will Leach