Brookside plans to score — a lot.

With a strong junior class on the rise, the Cardinals are excited about the possibilities for the upcoming season.

They return almost the entire starting lineup, and the Cardinals will look to outscore opponents into submission.

“I am super hyped (for this season). Everybody is ready to go,” Brookside quarterback Mason Waechter said. “Coming Aug. 21, we are the first game of the year for everybody. We have the show out. I think we have great talent all around. We should be a pretty good team this year.”

Brookside went 3-7 (2-5 in LC8) in 2024. The battles from last year gave younger players valuable experience they will use in the future.

“In my opinion, this is the closest class that we have had in the last few years. We can’t say how good we are yet, because we have not been on the field,” Brookside running back Trevor Kitzberger said. “

According to Brookside coach Scott O’Donnell, the offense begins with the guys in the trenches.

The Cardinals will return three full-time starters. Elliot Dore (center), Zy’Aire Marn (guard) and Carter Schuster (guard) will be in the interior.

“I think we are going to be a lot more aggressive than we’ve been in the past years up there,” O’Donnell said. “They have experience, so they are going to be able to be more aggressive with what we are doing scheme-wise.”

The tackle positions are up for grabs. The players competing for it have gameday experience.

“We can talk about the skill guys all day long, but the key is going to be our offensive line. We are going to win or lose with our line upfront,” O’Donnell said. “We have most of those guys back. It is huge to have those guys upfront blocking for us. For Mason (Waechter), it makes him more confident as well throwing the ball.”

The offensive line will protect Waechter, who threw for 408 yards.

Waechter was the backup last season, but an injury to the starting quarterback pushed him into the spotlight.

“I think that we are getting a lot more chemistry, with Mason coming in,” Brookside wide receiver Colten Casey said. “He came in late last season and was not really in rhythm. I think that he will get in rhythm this year.”

Brookside coaches and players took notice of Waechter’s offseason improvements.

“Waechter’s most improved with his decisions. He has come a long way,” Kitzberger said. “This is his first year of having the (quarterback) role to himself. I think he will adjust and will succeed.”

Waechter believes his success is tied to his improved footwork.

“(Waechter) is confident in that role,” O’Donnell said. “He is confident in the guys around him. He has Trevor (Kitzberger) in the backfield and weapons on the outside … that he is confident in. When you have a lot (of people) that you have confidence in, you feel confident spreading the ball around.”

Kitzberger was the Cardinals’ second-leading rusher, who averaged 7.1 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns. He anticipates a balanced offensive playstyle.

“We throw and we run. I think that (the offense) is a very good fit for me,” Kitzberger said.

Waechter will have four returning receivers to throw to. Casey’s led Brookside with 39 receptions. Waechter is excited to play alongside the talent on the field.

“Our receivers have good hands and they are quick. I personally think they can get open. It is my job to find them and we can move the ball,” Waechter said.

With the experienced junior class, Brookside’s goal is to go 1-0 each week. However, they recognize that bigger goals are possible.

Not only have the Cardinals never won a conference championship, but they have not qualified for the OHSAA playoffs, except for the COVID-19 pandemic season in 2020, when all teams automatically qualified.

“It would mean everything to the players, community and the school,” O’Donnell said.

They believe both goals are achievable.

“These (goals) are easily realistic. As long as we put our efforts in now, come August, we will be up there with any team in the (LC8). We just need to put the work in,” Waechter said.

Brookside’s Week 1 game will be at home against University School (4-5 in 2024) from Hunting Valley.

Originally Published: August 2, 2025 at 2:15 PM EDT