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Seniors on the football team said they would miss the family they had made but were thankful for the journey after the season ended Friday.
The Cardinals lost in the first round of the playoffs to Lansing 37-19. After falling behind early, Eudora came roaring back in the third quarter to make it a one-score game before eventually falling short.
“I loved all of them,” senior Silvestre Janovec said. “They were all my brothers.”
Senior Braeden VanDonge fought until the end Friday night, playing on both sides of the ball and battling through injuries as he led the Cardinals on a comeback.
“A brotherhood, a family,” he said. “It’s gonna be hard to find again. Every one of these guys loves you like they’re your own family.”
Senior Connor Watson said the night was hard, but he was happy to do it with this group.
“These guys are the best guys that I’ve ever been around,” he said. “Every day at practice I could look around and there’s just a face and a memory behind every single guy. And so just building that connection with everyone here at Eudora has really meant a lot to me.”
Senior Errol Siemon broke his collarbone early in the year, cutting his senior season short. He was still active on the sidelines helping support his teammates and coach younger players.
“The sun will come up again,” he said. “You gotta find the good in the bad.”
Senior Christian Jarrett said it will be challenging to reset as a freshman in college again next year.
“It was special,” he said. “I felt like I had a bunch of brothers.”
Kicker Nate Steinlage joined the team this season and said his teammates welcomed him with open arms.
“They took me in Day 1 and cared for me. And I cared for them,” he said. “They all care so much.”
Senior Cavin Hendrickson transferred to Eudora last year. He said being on the football team showed him a glimpse of what Eudora is.
“Walking into that weight room on Day 1, they took me in like I was family,” he said. “And I felt like I was family. Now, it feels like I’ve known them forever.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at eudoratimes@gmail.com
