NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - The Normal West Wildcats return just under half their starters from an 8-win team in 2024.

They have several stars on both sides of the ball, including Maliq Givens, Keagan Brown and three-year starter Briar Leenerman.

But a big connection will be the one-two punch in the backfield: QB Jrue Mangruem and tailback Cody Muhlbauer.

They've known each other quite a while, and want to lead the Wildcats back atop the Big 12.

We went to middle school together. So I've known him almost like all my school years. We played basketball together, so I got to know him pretty well. Developed a lot. I can tell throughout his years…he's gotten a lot better, got more patient with the ball.

Really taken control of the offense and, you know, being a leader and you know, almost being

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