Many of the key players from this year’s 6-4 Newton Cardinal Football team will be back next fall. Among the notable returners next season will be quarterback and leading rusher Caden Klein. Newton head coach Andy Swedenhjelm noted that Klein was his third new starting quarterback in three years.

“It will be nice to have a quarterback in our system for two years and be able to progress. A lot of skilled offensive players return around him. So the future is bright for us.”

Caleb Mattes was the Cardinals’ quarterback last year, while Brody Bauer served as the team’s signal caller two years ago. Other key returning offensive players for the Cardinals include tight end Finn Martin, wide receiver Nick Thomason, and running backs Qhjuan Coley and Isaiah Hansen. The offensive and defensive lines will bring back Koltt Ahn, Zach Felton, Will Rawlins, and Coleby Revell. Newton also returns two linebackers in Colton Northcutt and leading tackler Nick Milburn. 

Newton’s season came to an end last Friday night in a 15-14 first round playoff loss at #2 Decorah.