Connor Padgett of Maize has been putting in work for the upcoming season, and knows it’s quickly approaching. After the unfortunate loss the team had in the state championship game last year, Padgett is confident that this season will be different.

“It sucks to lose a state championship game, we will be back to win it this year,” Padgett said.

The team and Padgett have been training all offseason in the weight room, preparing for this fall.

“We have a great summer lifting and conditioning program that has gotten me ready,” Padgett said.

Last year, Padgett had a record breaking season, including breaking the school record for the number of tackles in a season. This year, Padgett hopes to build on some of his successes from his junior year. 

“Some of our goals as a team are to go back to the state championship game and win it this year and for myself I would like to be an All State player again,” Padgett said. 

While being a threat on the football field, Padgett is also a reigning state champ on the wrestling mat. Next year, Padgett plans to continue to wrestle in college.

“My future plans are to wrestle in college and get my degree in nursing,” Padgett said.