A Season of Expectations
The Orting Cardinals are entering the 2025 campaign with a clear mission: repeat as South Sound champions and push deeper into the state playoffs than the quarterfinal finish they achieved a year ago. Head coach Cody Baskett, now in his third season, has assembled a roster that blends proven experience with innovative play‑calling, aiming to translate early‑season momentum into a sustained title run.
Returning starters form the backbone of the squad. Senior running back Shiron Seniours will shoulder the bulk of the rushing attack after Carson McCall’s departure, while senior quarterback Kyle Curtis offers a dual‑threat skill set that keeps defenses guessing. The offensive scheme, engineered by new coordinator Joshua Teuteu, mixes Pistol Wing‑T formations with spread concepts to maximize the playmaking abilities of Seniours and Curtis.
Defensively, coordinator Jonas Pettit has instituted a 4‑2‑5 base that leans on the experience of linemen Liam Fogarty and Hudson Hobbs, both of whom contributed heavily in the 2024 season. Their presence is expected to anchor a unit that will need to tighten up after a narrow 43‑42 victory over Franklin Pierce in a thrilling road game that highlighted both resilience and areas for improvement.
The schedule features a non‑league opener against Bellarmine Prep on September 3, followed by a slate of league matchups against Hanford, Washington, Clover Park, Foss, Fife, Steilacoom, and Franklin Pierce. Each contest is viewed as a stepping stone toward the ultimate goal of reaching the state semifinals, a stage Baskett plans to approach with an unconventional Thanksgiving practice session to fine‑tune strategies.
Beyond the core players, the Cardinals will rely on contributors such as junior receiver Evan Polly, senior wideout Mason Belvedere, and offensive lineman Cale Lafountaine to add depth and versatility. The blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent creates a dynamic environment that could prove decisive as the team navigates a demanding schedule and pursues its first repeat championship since 2006.