Two weeks out from their season opener, the Mayville High School football team is laser-focused on state tournament standards in 2024.
2023 Season Summary
After making it all the way to Camp Randall in 2022, the Cardinals had a rollercoaster of a 2023 campaign made up of a combination of potential and inconsistencies. Mayville went 5-6 last season with a 3-4 record in the Flyway Conference (5th), and all six of their losses were by two possessions or less.
Mayville blew past Winnebago Lutheran 36-25 in the first round of the postseason before losing an old-school defensive battle to Lake Country Lutheran 16-14.
Senior running back Sawyer Hardesty spearheaded the Cardinals’ offense, logging 1,332 yards with 21 touchdowns on his way to earning First-Team All Trailways honors.
Head Coach Scott Hilber said Hardesty’s ability to adapt as the main back has been valuable, but he’s looking for even more from his all-purpose runner this year.
“He’s really durable, he’s tough and he’s strong,” Hilber said. “We need more explosiveness, and we need some bigger plays.”
After stumbling out of the gate with a 1-3 start, the 2022 Division 5 State Runners-Up rattled off three wins by scores of 29-14 (vs. Laconia), 19-7 (vs. Omro) and 60-6 (vs. North Fond du Lac).
They then fell 26-21 against the conference champions in Saint Mary’s Springs.
Key Returners
The Cardinals return Hardesty, offensive lineman Austin McCartney (1st Team All-Flyway Offense), defensive tackle Cole Legas (1st Team All-Defense), inside linebacker Braedon Weiglwin (1st Team All-Defense), cornerback Cohen Raddemann (1st Team All-Defense), running back Payton Borchardt (2nd Team All-Offense) and safety Joren Schlender (Honorable Mention).
Raddemann also served as the team’s main option under center, logging 763 passing yards with six touchdowns through the air.
The Mission In 2024
Mayville will take on Cedar-Grove Belgium to open the season for the fourth consecutive year.
Coach Hilber stated that he respects what Cedar-Grove Belgium has built and sees the matchup as a chance for his group to set the tone for the games ahead.
“That game [against Cedar Grove-Belgium] is such a fantastic first game,” Hilber said. “It gives you a really good barometer of where you’re at. It’s not a fluff game.”
Mayville’s full schedule is available HERE.
Listen to the full interview with Coach Hilber below.
