Class 1A State Football Championship Recap – Presented by Visit Wichita

Since 1998, the Conway Springs Cardinals have lived by the motto “Tradition Never Graduates.” That philosophy has fueled a legacy of dominance, with nine state championships and an impressive 286-44 record since adopting the mantra.

This season was no exception. Fresh off last year’s state championship, the Cardinals entered the 2023 state title game riding a 23-game win streak and carrying a massive target on their backs. Early in the game, Centralia gave Conway Springs a challenge, keeping the score tight at 7-6. However, the Cardinals surged ahead with a commanding 21-6 halftime lead and never looked back, securing a decisive 41-6 victory to claim back-to-back state titles.

“Back-to-back is incredible,” head coach Matt Biehler said. “It is so hard to win one, but to go back-to-back and finish 13-0 is a dream come true. The emotions always run high after winning the pinnacle of the season. I can’t put into words how special it is to experience a state championship with the players.”