By Blake Chadwick

After a magical season that resulted in a state championship berth for the first time in 50 years, the Kingman Eagles fell short in the Class 2A state championship game against Nemaha Central. 

Kingman’s storybook run fell short, and while players like Carter Helm were incredibly disappointed, they knew this wasn’t the end.

All offseason Helm and the rest of the Eagles have been at it, trying to replicate their season but with a different end result. 

“We have been in the weight room four days a week and had one camp so far this summer,” Helm said in July. “I like to lift on my own at my house in the evenings for a little extra work, as well.”

The senior is coming off a successful season where he was named first-team All-League as a flex, second-team All-League at corner, first team All-State at corner and All-State honorable mention as a flex. 

The accolades have their own meaning and are awesome to get, but what Helm really wants is a state championship this time around. 

“I expect us to be right back where we were last year,” he said. “As for myself, I expect to make plays when I get the ball and do everything I can to put my team in a position to win.”

Summer workouts were high in intensity and energy, which means the Eagles have the same feeling once again. 

“We are all pumped up and ready to redeem ourselves this season,” Helm said.