For The Paw: About Saber Football's 2025 Season
- thepurpleonion
- Nov 9
- 4 min read
By Niya Miller
The Central DeWitt Football team has had quite the year. With the season now in the rearview, many look back on what the team accomplished: an overall record of 7-3, a playoff game against Wahlert Catholic, and a broken school record. It's safe to say that it was a good year for Saber Football. Starting with a win against Clinton during week one, winning by a landslide against Davenport West and West Liberty during weeks two and three, beating Mount Pleasant during week four, only for that momentum to be broken by Assumption and Wahlert Catholic the following weeks. The team recovered with an emotional win against Mount Vernon during week seven, keeping that momentum against rival Maquoketa and Center Point-Urbana to finish out the regular season. Unfortunately, the team lost during the first round of playoffs to Wahlert Catholic. Despite this, many are still proud of the team’s accomplishments.
Head Coach Clay Waterbury reflects on the season, stating: “Honestly, our one goal coming into the season was to make the playoffs. So it was pretty awesome when we did. It was really exciting for our seniors after that 9th game where they could say we were able to accomplish that.” After the struggle of the 2024 season, this year was a much-needed reset for the team.
The season was a success on an individual level as well. Senior Hudson Krukow (left) became the first quarterback in school history to pass for over 300 yards in one game. He broke the record on September 19th against West Liberty.
“I remind myself of all the hard work I have put in the summer and all the years growing up,” says Hudson, when asked about how he keeps himself motivated. Along with breaking the school record, he was also voted as TV 6’s Athlete of the Week.
All of the players have had a fun season. Senior Brady Meadows (right) says, “It’s been pretty electric. I know with the music, and with the student section it’s been great, and I feel like we’ve had a lot of people out at our games,” Brady is a wide receiver on the team, as has played a major part in many ways for all 4 years of high school. “I feel like everyone competes at a high level, even against each other. We’re making each other better, whether you’re on scout team or starting. It’s pretty intense.” he continued.
The coaching staff agree that it’s been a great season. “I would just say the big thing this year is the difference in attitude. They’re having fun! The whole point of sports in high school is to have fun. When you win, it's fun. But I want to make sure that when they’re faced with adversity they can still attack with the same amount of fun. Seeing them smile, enjoying time with their buddies, that's what I really enjoy.” Coach Baylor Crigger says.
Defensive Line coach Mike Trusty shares a similar sentiment. “It was easy for the coaches to keep it going because the kids are the motivation. So they kept me motivated, and that made my job as a coach easy.”
But what does the team do to be successful? “Getting in the weight room, for sure. And then kind of the team bonding, going to camps, like university camps, that will definitely improve your skills.” says Junior Coy Krukow.
Another major factor in the success and skills of the players is their involvement outside of football season. “My biggest thing is that it doesn’t have to be all about football. The biggest thing is for players to be involved and to go out for as many sports as possible. Get in the weightroom, go be a kid, go hang out with your friends and play catch. I’m not big into the formal, over-the-top, ‘We need you here on this Saturday to do this workout’. I try to let kids be kids. So the big thing is to go compete and play in as many sports as you can.” Waterbury says. This sentiment is shared between both players and coaches. Sophomore Kolt Miller says “Playing other sports helps a lot. I also play baseball and run track, and it all co-relates to each other. Track helps you get stronger and faster, and baseball helps with your arm and coordination.”
The team is already beginning to look forward to next season. “My goals for the team were to have a winning record. That went great, now that the season is over and we’ve exceeded those expectations, our goal for next year is to make the playoffs again.” Trusty states.
The biggest motivator for both players and coaches is the good feelings that come from playing a sport you love. From pee-wee to varsity, all players and coaches can recall a happy memory from football.
“My favorite memory was with the whole season coaching my fifth grade team. I was head coach and the staff was great, the kids were great, they listened and they wanted to learn. That was the best for me.” says Trusty.
Emotional and unexpected wins were also a highlight. “My favorite memory from football this season is beating Mount Pleasant.” Hudson says, “Beating Mount Vernon was insane,” Kolt (left) agrees.
Brady says, “I’d say it's the atmosphere. I mean, there’s nothing like a Friday night, you’ve got a home game, everyone’s coming out, it’s the best thing ever.”
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