Friday nights in Webb City bring more than just football—they bring tradition. For junior lineman Louden Bolinger, carrying that tradition forward means setting a high bar. “I want to be an all-conference and all-state offensive lineman,” Bolinger said. “That’s my personal goal heading into this season.”

This summer, the Cardinals made a point to raise their preparation level. “We have focused on small details much more this offseason as well as hitting the weight room much harder,” Bolinger said. “It’s about the little things that make a big difference.”

The team’s mindset has shifted as well, and Bolinger has noticed it in every practice. “Our ability to build off of each other and not have a selfish mindset on the field has been the biggest improvement,” he said. “When everyone’s pulling in the same direction, the results come.”

As always, Webb City has its eyes on the ultimate prize. “A district and state title as well as getting our young guys to improve,” Bolinger said of the team’s goals. “That’s what we’re working for every single day.”

On the field, Bolinger plays offensive tackle and center, roles that demand both strength and awareness. “I look for weak points in the D-line and which linebackers don’t want to play downhill,” he explained. “These players are easy pickups and a guaranteed positive play.”

That kind of mentality doesn’t come without preparation. “I prepare through tough practices where physicality is a part of drilling and no reps are taken off,” Bolinger said. “It’s the best way to get ready for games with a high number of plays.”

When game time arrives, his approach is clear. “Make every play count and have fun doing what you love,” Bolinger said.

Thinking ahead, he also hopes to leave a lasting impression in the program. “I want to be remembered as someone who tried their best to be the best no matter what they were doing,” he said.

Bolinger also noted that fans might not realize just how much promise this team holds. “We are young and have many sophomores looking for a chance to prove themselves,” he said.

His go-to hype song before kickoff is Master of Puppets by Metallica, and his favorite memory in a Cardinals uniform came earlier in his career. “Beating a one-seed Carthage team for a district championship my sophomore season,” Bolinger said.

At 6’1” and 240 pounds, Bolinger is already an all-conference center with achievements in wrestling and track and field as well. “I’m planning to attend a four-year college on a sport or academic scholarship,” he said.