Mishawaka’s Young Offense Poised to Shine in Class 4A

Photo byWNDU

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — The Mishawaka High School football team may have lost key offensive players from last season, but the Cavemen are far from counting themselves out. Despite the challenges, the team remains determined to compete at the highest level, ready to prove doubters wrong as they transition to Class 4A.

"People are doubting us lately," says senior running back Kaden Smith. "They see people have left. We had a good senior class, and they really don’t know much about us. I just want to prove them wrong."

Last season, the Cavemen made a strong statement by finishing with a 9-3 record, securing a share of the Northern Lakes Conference title and a sectional championship. This success has set a high bar, but the team’s confidence remains unshaken.

"With the way last season went, we showed that we can compete with anybody," says head coach Keith Kinder. "The best that Indiana has to offer, and we are going to continue to have our mission be that we are going to compete for championships in the fall."

As they step into the 2024 season, the Cavemen are moving down to Class 4A, bringing a wealth of experience on defense. However, the offense will be led by a younger, less tested group of players.

"They’ve just got to learn their position, learn their role," says senior linebacker Jackson Snyder. "And if everybody does their job and works together, there is nothing that can stop us."

A notable change for the team is the introduction of a new quarterback, sophomore Landon Snyder. Under the watchful eye of his older brother Jackson, a defensive stalwart, Landon is quickly learning the ropes.

"He’s learning. He is very coachable," Jackson notes. "[Coach] will tell him to do something, and he will do it in the next rep and keep building on top of that. That’s probably his biggest trait."

As the Cavemen navigate the challenges of a new classification and the absence of a bye week, all eyes will be on their young offense to see how they rise to the occasion this season.