The Lincoln Cardinals defense has led set the tone all season long, but last week in the quarterfinals, a missing piece to their offense proved he’s back from injury.
“Go to the state championship is our goal, has been since the start of the season,” Lincoln running back Gage Kahler said.
But midway through the season, Kahler had a different goal – to make it back onto the field.
“It’s been up and down,” Kahler said. “Early I felt good, then Homecoming I had an injury I’ve had ever since.”
After battling a leg injury last year, Kahler’s healthy return was grounded with a groin strain.
“He’s a weapon (opponents) have to account for,” Lincoln head coach Kevin LaFavor said.
Kahler had limited action in the postseason, but nothing was holding him back in the quarterfinals.
“He’s been banged up all year,” Lincoln quarterback Jackson Beaman said. “To battle, I can’t tell you how proud I am; that’s what competitors do.”
Gage had 20-carries for 180-yards and three touchdowns. After his second score, LaFavor stopped him on the sideline.
“I said welcome back,” LaFavor said.
“That meant everything to me,” Gage said.
“To be banged up and finally be healthy and have his best game,” LaFavor said, “it was awesome. The more we gave him the ball, the better he got.”
And Gage’s ground attack gave Beaman a chance to show off scrambling ability and his arm and for Bo Kroenke to show off his legs – creating a dominant offensive attack for the Cardinals.
“It was really fun to watch (Kahler) play and have him out there,” LaFavor said.
“I had a bad game (in the quarterfinals) but to come out and play the way I did,” Kahler said, “it means the world to me.”
