They say to be the best you have to play the best, and the Marshall Cardinals are certainly doing that in 2025.
A year removed from a season where the Cardinals gained momentum that brought them to level 2 in the postseason, Marshall fans can hang their hat on knowing this team will get better every single day.
2024 Season Recap
It’s not about how you start; it’s about you finish.
The Cardinals took that saying to heart and ran with it.
After starting the season 0-3, against strong opponents nonetheless, Marshall finished the season 5-3 with a playoff victory to show for it.
Head coach Matt Kleinheinz said strength of schedule certainly played a factor.
“First and foremost, our first three teams out of the gate last year were pretty quality opponents,” Kleinheinz said.
Johnson Creek made it to level three of last year’s postseason; Lake Mills was knocking on the door of a state championship appearance and Pardeeville finished the regular season 8-1.
In fact, look no further than the Poynette matchups to see just how quickly this Cardinals team grew in front of our very eyes.
On Oct. 11, Poynette downed Marshall 29-28; a failed two-point conversion with 1:29 to play was the difference.
Two weeks later, on Oct. 25, head coach Kleinheinz’s squad throttled Poynette 31-7 to move on to level 2 of the postseason.
Engine Engine Number 9
While the Cardinals have a lot of names that need to step up into larger roles, they can rely on stability at the quarterback position.
Brady Kleinheinz, now a three-year starter, will be under center for his senior campaign.
The veteran signal-caller tossed nine touchdowns to seven interceptions with 1,033 yards.
Coach Kleinheinz said the film, more than the stat sheet, will reflect the senior’s progress from year 3.
“I think his decision-making and ability to read the defense was better,” he said. “He did take a few more chances, but his chances were the right chances. You’re not going to trick him with coverage.”
The Road Ahead
The Cardinals will start their 2025 campaign with a non-conference tilt against Johnson Creek on Aug. 21. Their week two opponent is Lake Mills on Aug. 28. Both games will be broadcast on Daily Dodge TV.
The full interview with Coach Kleinheinz is available below.
