The Cherryvale Chargers saw their season come to a close with a 61-6 loss to the Sabetha Bluejays in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs, finishing the year with a 4-5 record under head coach Harry Hester.

The Chargers forced a fumble on Sabetha’s second possession, deep in Bluejay territory, giving Cherryvale an opportunity to take the lead. However, a 98-yard pick-six put the home team up by two scores, and Sabetha stayed in control the rest of the night.

Hester says his team went neck and neck with one of the top teams in the state early on, and he was proud of how hard the Chargers competed against a disciplined defensive team.

Throughout the campaign, Hester says there was a quiet confidence within his team, as players were prepared to put their heads down and get to work while continuing to build their understanding of the game during his second year back with the Chargers.

Cherryvale will return the majority of its 2026 roster, with just two seniors graduating. The Chargers will look to build on this season’s 4-5 finish heading into next year. We’ll have a season wrap-up story on Cherryvale next week.