Louisburg Eyes the Postseason

The following article serves to look at the upcoming postseason outlook for Louisburg athletics. Each sport is about to finish their regular season, and they are hopeful that they can end the regular season on a good note.

Soccer – Louisburg soccer sits as a 2 seed in the 4A playoffs with a 8-2-1 record. They have scored 33 goals and allowed 14. They sit third in Frontier League standings. “I think our biggest thing is finishing goals in a game,” junior forward Ryder Erickson said. “We need to keep up our intensity and hard work at practice for success.” Ryder has played a huge factor in scoring goals and leading the team. Another important factor has been goalie Fritz Meyer. “We look to keep intensity up even after letting goals in, not collapsing and staying strong,” Meyer said.

Football– The Wildcats also sit as the 2 seed in the 4A playoffs, with their record at 5-1. They have been very successful so far, improving from last season’s record of 3-6. They have 2 games left before playoffs with one tomorrow night at Ottawa and the final game next Friday at Warsaw (MO). They are currently in a three way tie for first in the Frontier League. “Compared to last year I think we run the ball more effectively,” senior offensive lineman Owen Ebenstein said. “The O-Line is much closer this year and we all know our assignments.” Senior captain Gaston Schleicher has also helped lead this team’s offensive and defensive line to success.

Volleyball– Louisburg volleyball are currently the 8 seed in 4A playoffs with a record of 14-17. They look to bounce back after tough losses to top teams ranging from 4A-6A. They play Baldwin twice on 10/20 and will look to improve their standing. “The team needs to take every practice and rep we get very seriously and intentional to prepare us for substate,” senior setter Adelyn Moore said. “We’ve been working really hard on being strong at the net and forming very strong connections on the court.”

Cross Country– Boys and Girls Cross Country has been looking very solid recently with first place finishes for the girls and boys team led by Sophomores Maddox McGhee and Denver Schnelle at the Prairie View Cross Country Meet. Before regionals, they have a meet at Baldwin Golf Course on Saturday, October 24th. “Preparation for regionals is gonna be a lot of work,” sophomore runner Maddox McGhee said. “As we are growing closer to our two biggest meets of the season, the team is putting in their best efforts to ensure their own success and the success of our team. We’ve all worked incredibly hard this season, and I’m excited to see what amazing things our team is gonna do as we start to round off our season.”

Golf– Reese Smith qualified for state golf. She has won several tournaments so far, and places near the top in every tournament she’s been in. One notable score was a +4, which ended up winning the West Franklin Meet. She also shot +5 and got second at the Santa Fe Trail Invitational. When asked about improvements before state, Smith said “ I am focusing on my short game and approach shots before state.” State girls golf is on October 19th and 20th.

Good luck Wildcats in postseason play!

-Blake Schultz