5 Reasons Why New Bremen Cardinals Football Is Ohio's Small-School Dynasty
The New Bremen Cardinals football program, hailing from Auglaize County, Ohio, has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the state's Division VII landscape, transforming from a competitive team into a perennial state title contender in the 2020s. As of the end of the 2025 season, the Cardinals are looking to build on their impressive 7-5 record and deep playoff run, fueled by a renewed sense of optimism and one of the largest senior classes in recent memory. The program’s success is a testament to the dedication of its players, the robust competitive nature of the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC), and the steady leadership of its head coach.
This article dives deep into the factors that have cemented New Bremen's status, examining the coaching staff, the historic championship victories, and the challenging schedule that prepares them for the rigors of the OHSAA Football Playoffs. The Cardinals are not just a local story; they represent the pinnacle of small-school football excellence in the state of Ohio.
The Architect of Success: Head Coach Chris Schmidt Biography
The resurgence and sustained success of New Bremen Cardinals football are intrinsically linked to Head Coach Chris Schmidt. His tenure has ushered in the most dominant era in the program's history, culminating in multiple state championships.
- Role: Head Football Coach, New Bremen High School.
- Division: OHSAA Division VII, Region 28.
- Tenure Highlight: Led the Cardinals to their first-ever state championship in 2020.
- Major Achievements: Two Division VII State Championships (2020, 2022).
- Key Recognition: Recipient of the prestigious Paul Brown Excellence in Coaching Award in 2021, an honor recognizing exceptional coaching and community leadership.
- Coaching Philosophy: Known for building a disciplined program that excels in all three phases of the game and thrives on the toughness demanded by the MAC schedule.
- 2025 Season Result: Led the Cardinals to a 7-5 overall record and a playoff appearance.
1. The Rise to Power: Two Dominant State Championships
The New Bremen Cardinals have secured their place in Ohio high school football history with two Division VII State Championship victories in a three-year span, an astonishing feat for any program. These titles did not just happen; they were dominant performances on the biggest stage.
The Breakthrough: 2020 Division VII State Title
In 2020, the Cardinals made their first-ever trip to the state championship game, facing a formidable opponent in Warren John F. Kennedy (JFK). The game, played at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, was a statement victory for New Bremen. The Cardinals’ defense was impenetrable, delivering a stunning 31-0 shutout. This monumental win marked the program's first state title and immediately put New Bremen on the map as a new force in Division VII football.
The Confirmation: 2022 Division VII State Title
Just two years later, the Cardinals returned to the state final, once again squaring off against Warren JFK. The rematch, held at the historic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, was another showcase of New Bremen’s superiority. The Cardinals dominated the game with a final score of 38-6, securing their second state trophy. This victory solidified the program's status, demonstrating that the 2020 win was not a fluke but the beginning of a dynasty.
2. The Gauntlet: Surviving the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC)
To understand New Bremen's success, one must first recognize the crucible in which they compete: the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC). Widely regarded as one of the toughest small-school football leagues in the entire country, the MAC is a relentless schedule of state champions and perennial playoff teams. The Cardinals' ability to thrive in this conference is the primary reason for their playoff readiness.
- Elite Competition: The MAC is home to legendary Ohio football programs like Marion Local, Coldwater, and Versailles.
- The Marion Local Challenge: The rivalry with Marion Local is particularly intense. Playing the Flyers, who often boast long winning streaks, provides the ultimate test of a team's mettle.
- Local Rivalries: Key matchups, such as the annual clash with Minster, are high-stakes affairs that draw massive crowds and provide a playoff-like atmosphere every week. A recent MAC battle saw Minster hold off New Bremen in a tight 27-16 contest.
- Playoff Preparation: The brutal MAC schedule, which also includes teams like Fort Recovery, ensures that New Bremen is battle-tested and physically prepared for the OHSAA tournament before they even enter Region 28 play.
3. The 2025 Season: Momentum and Senior Leadership
The 2025 football season was a crucial step for the Cardinals, demonstrating the program’s ability to reload and remain competitive. The team finished with a strong 7-5 record, securing a spot in the OHSAA playoffs. This performance was particularly encouraging following a 5-6 finish in the 2024 season.
A major factor in the 2025 success and the optimism for the future is the significant increase in senior leadership. The 2025 squad featured 17 seniors, a substantial jump from the 10 seniors on the 2024 roster. This large, experienced class provides the necessary depth, maturity, and on-field leadership required to navigate the challenging MAC schedule and make a deep run in Division VII.
Key 2025 Schedule Entities:
The 2025 schedule featured a mix of non-conference tests and MAC gauntlets, including:
- A road game against Wayne Trace.
- A non-conference matchup at Covington.
- Home games against Parkway and the perennial power Marion Local.
- A crucial road game against rival Versailles.
- A playoff victory against Ansonia High School with a score of 36-8, showcasing their tournament readiness.
4. The Paul Brown Legacy and Coaching Stability
The stability provided by Coach Chris Schmidt is a cornerstone of the Cardinals' dynasty. Schmidt's recognition with the Paul Brown Excellence in Coaching Award highlights not only his success on the field but also his commitment to developing young men. This award, named after the legendary Ohio coach Paul Brown, signifies a commitment to excellence that extends beyond wins and losses. This kind of long-term, recognized leadership is essential for building a sustainable program that consistently competes for state championships year after year.
5. A Culture of Excellence in Auglaize County
New Bremen High School football success is a reflection of the strong, community-focused culture in Auglaize County, Ohio. The program’s consistent high-level performance in Division VII is a source of immense pride for the small town. The commitment to excellence is evident in the school’s facilities, the dedicated coaching staff (including key figures like Chad Williams), and the unwavering support from the local fan base. This tight-knit community atmosphere ensures that the football program has the resources and motivation to compete with the best in the state, making the New Bremen Cardinals a true model for small-school athletics.
Detail Author:
- Name : Darion Halvorson DVM
- Username : odell.kautzer
- Email : ofriesen@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1978-01-28
- Address : 412 Marley Burgs Mayertfurt, PA 33239-1783
- Phone : +1-913-812-0801
- Company : Williamson-Lowe
- Job : Costume Attendant
- Bio : Delectus veritatis odio natus nam ut. Quia et laudantium doloremque porro sit sequi doloremque. Et totam qui consequatur.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/satterfield1998
- username : satterfield1998
- bio : Minus minus consequatur eum aperiam. Non expedita dicta quis harum debitis.
- followers : 1856
- following : 2250
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/hardy.satterfield
- username : hardy.satterfield
- bio : Dicta voluptatem aperiam non et blanditiis. Eos enim qui saepe enim blanditiis.
- followers : 1213
- following : 2906
