After defeating Andale for the second time in the season, Cheney had clinched their trip to a state championship where they took on Topeka Hayden.
Despite the snow all around, Cheney started off very hot, with a quick two play touchdown drive to give them a 7-0 lead which held up until the end of the first when Hayden was able to force a turnover, giving them good field position and eventually scoring a touchdown to tie things up 7-7 early in the second quarter.
Cheney’s Drew Tolar would take the ensuing kickoff back to the house to take a 13-7 lead which was held until halftime.
The offense came alive in the second half when Drew Tolar would score again giving teh Cardinals a 20-7 lead.
Colter McDaniel would get in on the action scoring the final two touchdowns for Cheney giving them the final score 34-7.
The win gave the Cheney Cardinals their first state title in school history.
“Winning the first state championship is like climbing a tall mountain,” Cheney head coach Shelby Wehrman. “It’s a lot of work, you’re never sure if you’re going to make it all the way to the top, it’s super exciting every step of the way, and once you get there, it’s hard to believe you actually did it. And of course, we couldn’t have done it without God’s provision.”
Cheney ended their season with the feats of beating Andale twice, ending the longest win streak in America and of course winning the state championship.
“The word proud doesn’t seem to accurately describe the way I feel about this Cheney team,” Wehrman said. “They did everything they could to get better almost every day, they played through pain, trained when no one was watching, and they kept playing their hardest when the outcome didn’t look bright. They are courageous, loyal, dedicated, resilient, compassionate, and strong. I admire, respect, and love this team.”
