By Matt Browning
Goddard senior lineman Braxton Koller has been a part of three successful seasons that saw the Lions go a combined 17-10 and a league title in 2023.
But Koller has not felt what it’s like to win a playoff game and that’s a top his wish list for the 2025 season.
“My last three years in high school ball we have performed well but always came short of the mark playoff-wise,” Koller said. “So I would say that I’m most excited to play as hard as I can and prove that we can make past the first round.”
One key area that might alter the ending of Goddard’s season is how Koller and his teammates deal with adversity throughout a game and ultimately the season.
“I’m really hoping we improve our moral this season because I believe when a team faces adversity they should be brave and still give their all no matter the score or situation,” Koller said. “I would like to thank our new offensive line coach (Coach Escher) for helping with that because he has told us from day one no matter how bad you mess up at least do it at 100 percent.”
Koller was a first team all-league selection last season but he wants to earn new accolades this season.
“I would love to push for 50-plus pancake blocks this season because last year I only got a little over 40,” Koller said. “I’m also trying to advance my previous accomplishment of first team all-league by getting all-state this year.”
