Football has always been a family affair for Kayden Speiser.

Whether it’s the family he was born into or the one he’s chosen to join, family is family, the Wright City senior defensive back said.

“Wright City football, to me, means that once you join, you've become a part of a family who always keeps on fighting for you,” Speiser said. “Football was a major part of my life growing up, and my dad and uncles played, so I followed and it made me and my dad very close.”

The things he’s learned have turned Speiser, the 5-foot-8, 135-pound senior defensive back, into a playmaker in every sense of the word, Wildcats’ Coach John Klekamp said.

“Kayden is one of the guys on our team who goes unnoticed by the average fan, but for the knowledgeable football fan and coaches, he is a playmaker in our defensive backfield,” Klekamp said. “Statistically, Kayden has basically matched his totals from last season and then has added two interceptions this season in four fewer games.”

Along with the interceptions, Speiser has 24 tackles, a tackle for loss and five pass break-ups for the Wildcats (3-5).

As important as the numbers are, Speiser’s contributions come with another level, Klekamp said.

The hard work he’s put in over the course of the last year can provide others with a pathway to success.

“Last season, three seniors overshadowed Kayden in a very successful defensive backfield, Klekamp said. “In the off-season, the coaching staff challenged Kayden to work on the physical aspects of playing cornerback. In our defense, Kayden has to be a cornerback who can serve as our secondary edge player, keeping the ball inside and allowing his teammates to make the play. Kayden has done a great job of this, using his speed and instincts to put himself in position to excel.

“His production and leadership have definitely grown this year,” the coach continued. “Kayden has also worked hard in film study, often finding things he discusses with the coaching staff and asking questions to better prepare himself and our team for success on Friday nights.”  

While younger players can use Speiser’s work as a guide, they can also benefit directly from the senior, Klekamp said.

Speiser has worked hard to help teammates grow as both football players and people.

“Kayden has stepped up during his senior year, taking time to work with and mentor the younger defensive backs in our defensive backfield,” Klekamp said. “We have started up to three underclassmen at times with Kayden and he has been great in leading this group.” 

Speiser said that, while he isn't obligated, he feels sharing what he knows with his teammates will help everyone on the team.

“I don't feel like it's a responsibility to help the younger guys,” Speiser said. “I do it because eventually I want them to be better than me and (that’s why I) teach them everything I know.” 

Speiser and the team will be looking to rebound after their loss to Montgomery County on the road last Friday by a 26-2 score. In the loss, the team finished the game with third-string quarterback Kaveon Schulte.

“Kayden McCurdy was injured early in the third quarter,” Klekamp said. “Since (backup) Benji (Rodriguez) was not available and our (backup) was out with a concussion, we had to move Kaveon to quarterback to finish the game.”

This week, Wright City will play host to North Callaway at 7 p.m. Friday.