The Spring Mills Cardinals football team is looking to build upon the most successful season in school history, a 2024 campaign that saw them win a program-record 12 games and reach the Class AAAA state championship for the first time. Their dominant defense, which allowed only 61 points all season, led them to their first-ever consecutive playoff victories before they narrowly fell to Martinsburg, 24-17, in the title game. Despite losing quarterback Max Anderson to WVU, the Cardinals return significant talent. Leading the way is Xavier Anderson, a 6-foot-7 Cincinnati commit and first-team All-State defensive lineman who also led the team in receiving. He is expected to play multiple positions on offense. Rylan Swartz will step in at quarterback, joined in the backfield by senior Blake Sanders, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, and transfer Tavon Jones. The defense remains a strong point, anchored by second-team All-State defensive back Isaiah Wang and a deep, versatile secondary. Motivated by last year's close championship loss, the team has a "chip on their shoulder" and is focused on returning to the state's biggest stage.