By Blake Chadwick
After a 9-2 finish in 2023, the Ellsworth Bearcats are chomping at the bit, ready to get back at it.
One of those guys who can’t wait to get back on the field is senior receiver and safety, Daxton Leiker. The senior started playing football in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since.
“Daxton is great to coach,” head coach Josh Homolka said. “He is very intelligent and tough, which is always a great combination as a football player. You know what you are going to get out of Dax every day, he makes those around him better.”
The everyday consistency is exactly why the Bearcats saw success and also why Leiker was named as a first-team all-league safety and an honorable mention all-state safety.
“My personal goal for this season is to make all-league and all-state selections again,” Leiker said. “I also want to provide senior leadership for our Ellsworth squad. Our team goal this year is to be in trophy games in the playoffs.”
With real big goals on his mind, Leiker is doing his best to lead by example during this summer grind.
“To get to a state championship, it takes everyone. There can be no missing pieces if you want to go far in the playoffs,” Leiker said. “As a senior leader, I have to push everyone to be their best with full effort. I try to push myself as a player to not let my teammates down and to be coachable.”
