2022 Cardinal Comet football look-ahead

Cardinal's Braxton Guiter (55) gets through the Pekin offensive line for a sack in Cardinal’s first-ever home win against Pekin, 70-19, Friday, Aug. 27, 2021. (Doug Brenneman/Union)

The Cardinal Comet football team is going to look just a tad bit different this time around.

Cardinal, who was led by a strong senior class last season, lost just about 90% of last years starters.

The Comets will be without quarterback Maddux Jones, leading rushers Ian Liles, Griffin Greiner, Maddux Jones and Blaine Bryant.

Greiner was also the Comets leading receiver, along with fellow senior Landon Becker, and leading defender with 89 total tackles. In all they lost 10 seniors.

They bring back one senior, three sophomores and seven juniors from last year’s squad, with the addition of the freshman class.

Now junior, Isaac Lett and Issac Cox will be the biggest returners on the defensive end. The two both finished with over 25 tackles last year.

On the offensive skill positions, Lett is the only returner from varsity. He finished with five receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns last season.

This season, the Comets opponents will look very familiar as they face the same opposition.

They will open this year on the road, beginning with Pekin, who they defeated 70-19 last year. They will then take on Central Lee at home and Davis County back on the road, both wins in 2021.

Homecoming against Central Decatur and trip to Van Buren County follow. Wins against the tow last year made the Comet 5-0.

Sigourney-Keota then awaits, proceeded by Pella Christian and Pleasantville. Cardinal will look to bounce back against the trio of teams as all three were losses last season.

Cardinal finished last season 5-4 and had its season ended against West Branch in the first round of playoff action.

Despite losing a core chunk of last years starters it’s sure to be an exciting year for Cardinal Comet football.

2022 Cardinal Football Schedule

Aug. 26 at Pekin

Sept. 2 vs. Central Lee

Sept. 9 at Davis County

Sept. 16 vs. Central Decatur- Homecoming

Sept. 23 at Van Buren County

Sept. 30 vs. Sigourney-Keota

Oct. 7 at Pella Christian

Oct. 14 vs. Pleasantville

Editor’s note: This story is just one in a series of preseason football look-aheads in preparation of the 2022 high school football season.