Norwalk just wrapped up its first football season in 5A and had a winning season, finishing 5-4.

Brady Wilkening played linebacker for Norwalk. He said he was proud of how Norwalk performed in this higher level of competition

“We had a lot of focus,” he said. “And we can’t be hearing what other people say.”

Wilkening said he was very shocked when he heard about the move up.

But he said there are some positives about moving up to 5A football, like there’s more college recruiting when you move up to a higher competition.

“We want to prove that we belong in 5A,” Wilkening said.

Xavier Bush, a wide receiver for Norwalk, said Norwalk football had to go against the highest competition, and it means a lot more to go against the best. He said he wanted to make a legacy about the move up to 5A.

“I was a little bit kind of shocked to be honest, and a little bit upset with how the state handled the whole class realignment,” he said. “But I realize it will be a fun opportunity to play against some great teams.”

Norwalk football is the one sport for Norwalk High School to be in 5A.

Kayden Frank, wide receiver for the team, said it was a tough start to the season

“It was going to be a great challenge moving up to 5A,” he said

Norwalk lost the first 3 games of the season, but then the team started winning

“We had some easy games,” Frank said. ”That’s when they started to win.”

Wilkening said one of the best Norwalk football times is the practices with his friends

“Best part was going out and practicing with my friends every day, and that’s how you make the best friendships,” he said.