Wildcats Defeat Bonner Springs, Look to Harrisonville
- Updated: October 2, 2026
Louisburg continued its unbeaten start to the season Friday night, defeating Bonner Springs 47–21 and improving to 4–0 on the year.
The Wildcats’ offense put together its highest-scoring performance of the season, building on previous wins over Tonganoxie, Paola and Chanute. Louisburg entered the game averaging 32.0 points per game and finished the night with 47 points.
The Wildcats started off hot with a first-play pass from Max Amren to John Guetterman. Guetterman broke a tackle and exploded for 74 yards to start the drive. A few plays later, Tate McGreer finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Wildcats then forced a quick three-and-out and capitalized on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Amren to senior Cole Heinrich. The Cats continued to stay hot, forcing another three-and-out by the Braves. Amren then ran for a 64-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive to put Louisburg up 21–0 early in the first quarter.
Will Norton then forced a fumble on the next defensive drive, but the offense couldn’t convert the turnover into points.
The Cats continued their hot start by coming up with another defensive stop. McGreer then took off for his second score of the night, this time on a 15-yard touchdown run. Soon after, once again senior linebacker Will Norton forced another fumble, and senior Bryce Thompson picked up the loose ball and took it to the house, extending the lead to 33–0 with a minute and a half left in the first quarter.
The defense stayed hot and forced another Bonner Springs punt. Amren then threw a shovel pass to junior John Guetterman, who took it to the 3-yard line and set up a 3-yard touchdown run by junior Mathias Wright.
With the Wildcats leading 40–0 and under 10 minutes left in the first half, they didn’t let off the gas. Bonner Springs was forced to punt again. After the Braves stopped Louisburg on fourth down, they looked to score before halftime, but the Wildcats’ defense held strong on fourth down and got the ball back in good field position.
The offense faced a third-and-11, but Amren found junior wide receiver Braxton Eastland for a 31-yard reception. The momentum stayed with the Cats as McGreer found the end zone for the third time, putting Louisburg up 47–0 going into halftime.
“The ability we had to start fast and play a complete game and thought we executed that well,” head coach Drew Harding said.
That fast start was something the Wildcats had emphasized throughout the week in practice. “Come out and dominate and do that for a full game,” Harding said.
The Wildcats also had to stay focused despite the distractions that come with a homecoming game. Harding said the team understood the importance of starting fast instead of letting the atmosphere affect its performance. “It’s always a big risk with a homecoming game and we don’t want to come out slow or sleep walk through the first quarter and I thought we did a good job of coming out fast as we scored 33 points in the first quarter,” Harding said.
Louisburg will now look to build on the win as it faces a new challenge against Harrisonville. Harding said the Wildcats will have to prepare for things they haven’t seen yet this season.
“It’s fun for us as coaches to sit and watch someone new and try to figure them out. That’s one of the things I really enjoy about my job and I know other coaches do too,” Harding said when asked about preparing for a new team. “Trying to figure out keys and tendencies of other teams and trying to get in the mind of what they are trying to do and coming up with a gameplan to try to stop it. Somebody new is fun and gives you a little energy boost in the middle of the season.”
The Wildcats have been led by a strong defense this season, with their offense also showing major improvements every week. Quarterback Max Amren, and running backs Mathias Wright and Tate McGreer have all made huge impacts on the ground. It all begins with the tough offensive line Louisburg has shown.
Through the air, Louisburg has been continuing to establish their pass game every week. Braxton Eastland is leading the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, while John Guetterman and Cole Heinrich have made a big impact in giving the Wildcats momentum.
Louisburg’s defense faces a strong offense in Harrisonville which will be a new challenge for the team. Harrisonville has an “explosive quarterback who can make plays through the air and on the ground,” Harding said.
Kickoff is at 7 PM tonight at Harrisonville.
– Braxton Eastland, Bo Ballard
