After 12 years, Conway Springs has ended the drought and won their first state championship football game since 2011. The last time the football team won a championship, they were a 3A team. Now, in 2023, the school is classified as a 1A  team, making this not only their first win in over a decade, but their first win in the 1A bracket. While the season started rough with an 0-2 record, the Cardinals pushed through the season to win their last 11. 

The State game was Nov. 25 at Fort Hays University against the Jefferson County North Chargers. The Cardinals won 35-6.

“I’ve played football since third grade, and [winning] was just like a dream come true,” junior Eli Howard said.

Some of the juniors said they looked up to their seniors, and they realized that those seniors made an impact on how the season played out. A few of them even said they would take inspiration from them for when they lead the team. 

“They would believe in us, for instance,” junior Cade Howell said. “They never doubted us and always paid attention.”

Senior Taylor Wykes said he was surprised at how many people showed up to support them. 

“It was crazy how many people showed up even under the snowy conditions,” he said. 

Many players said they were excited during the last moments of the game. 

“There was a lot of emotions going on,” Wykes said. “It’s kind of unbelievable that we won State after an 11 year drought. I was just happy for the guys and for the team and all the coaches.”