KQ2 Pigskin Preview: Lawson ready to build off their 2025 season

LAWSON, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Lawson Cardinals football team went 8-3 in 2025 and are looking to repeat that success in the 2026 season.

Lawson junior Collin Swope is now stepping up as a leader on this team. Despite a great season last year, he sees improvements that can be made.

"Honestly, I think we can learn from our mistakes," Swope said. "Last year, we had a lot of younger guys, but we're still the same team."

Swope isn't the only one that's ready to show people that last year wasn't a one time thing. Lawson senior Brady Sullard is happy to be back on the field.

"I think everyone's ready to hit hard and come back," Sullard said. "We had a good year last year and we got to prove that even with the seniors we lost, that we're still here to dominate."

The Cardinals will have a tough schedule this season playing in the KCI conference. Head Coach Caleb Crawford is excited for the upcoming matchups this season.

"That just helps us get better," Crawford said. "We want to win playoff games. KCI is obviously for a small school conference, one of the best in the state of Missouri. It's a great conference and it's going to be a tough battle every single week."

Lawson senior Dawson Smith understands the schedule this team has ahead of them, but has plenty of confidence in his squad.

"We're the Lawson Cardinals and we're ready to play anyone. It doesn't matter," said Smith.

Lawson junior Ryder Clevenger is ready for Week One as Lawson starts the season on its own field.

"That's going to be great," Clevenger said. "The atmosphere is crazy and everybody shows up. It's going to be awesome."

The Cardinals start their season at home against the Warsaw Wildcats on Friday, Aug. 28 with kickoff set for 7 p.m.