Victoria Knights Football Looking to Dominate Once Again After Heartbreaking State Championship Loss

Doug Oberle, head football coach for the Victoria Knights, joined Lucas Kenney in discussing last year's State Runner-up team and what to look forward to for this upcoming football season.

Last season was a very dominant season for the Knights up until the 8-Man II Kansas State Championship game. They had an overall record of 12-1, their only loss coming from the Axtell Eagles in the championship game, 50-0, marking the first time Victoria had been shut out since 2011 in a loss to Thunder Ridge. 

Despite not claiming the title of champs, Victoria still had a very dominant season, tallying 6 total shutouts during the season, 2 of which came in the first two rounds of the playoffs, and outscoring opponents in the regular season 426-46.

When asked about what he learned from last season and what he wants to carry over into this year, Coach Oberle responded by relaying a great message. 

Last year's team consisted of 4 seniors who are now all graduated. Coach Oberle praised those guys for what they did last season and the impact they had on the school and the overall program. He then moved on to mention some of the key players returning, which included Kyle Huser, Matt Pfeifer, and Weston Scherrer.

Coach also praised and encouraged the younger guys who have been stepping up or will need to step up for the team this year. 

Victoria is definitely one of the favorites to go back to the State Championship as organizations like Sports in Kansas have written about the Knights. The were even featured in the Kansas Pregame Magazine with Kyle Huser being on the front cover. 

Of course, it is every team's "Big Goal" to make it to the State Championship Game. However, the big goal can't come without smaller achievements along the way, and that is what Coach Oberle likes to focus on with his athletes.

Lastly, Coach Oberle is very grateful of the community at Victoria, is appreciative of all the support he and the team receives, and is proud to represent the town of Victoria.

Victoria opens the 2025 football season traveling to Ness City to take on the Eagles.

Lucas Kenney and Mike Blanke will have the call on KZRS 107.9 FM for Week 2, where the Knights will take on the Central Plains Oilers, and then the following week for Victoria's home opener and Homecoming against Osborne. Both games have a kickoff time of 7 pm and a pregame start time of 6:30 pm. 

You can find the full interview on the Audio Archives page.