Washburn Rural looking for bounce back year in 2025

After an 11-1 6A runner-up finish in 2023, the Junior Blues had a disappointing three-win year in 2024. 

“That season will not defy us,” senior linebacker Jordy Heim said. “We’ve been up and down, and for our senior year, we want to leave with a bang.”

Heim, a Washburn Ichabod commit, had 84 total tackles in 2024 with four sacks. 

The Junior Blues will enter the year in the underdog role, and the players are embracing the idea.

“It makes people more surprised when we go out there and kick some butt,” senior right tackle Jayden Cooper told 27 Sports. “We’re going to surprise some people and go out there and hit them in the mouth.”

Head coach Steve Buhler knows the team is ready to redeem themselves. 

“It’s made them hungrier, and they feel like this season needs more details and focus,” Buhler said. “They’ve approached that mentality through the summer and the offseason.”

Washburn Rural will open the 2025 season on Friday, squaring off with Shawnee Heights.