Matt Struck checks in at 6-4 215 lbs with a gunslinger of an arm. Struck’s high school coach would tell recruiters he “could throw the ball 60 yards through a window.” Idaho State head coach Rob Phenicie had similar thoughts “He’s just one of those guys that the football gods hit his arm with lightning.”

When coach Thomas reached back out in March, things aligned for Struck. The perfect opportunity to get some tape post-injury, and show that he’s still the quarterback he was before the injuries. Showing what kind of a quarterback he is is exactly what Struck has done. He’s done nothing but impress since he took over the lead role in Southwest Kansas. 

Struck has embraced the changes from the outdoor football game to the indoor game. He’s also embraced small-town Kansas. Growing up in California and then a more populated Oregon area, Struck was shocked when it took coach Thomas all of eight minutes to show him around town when he arrived in Dodge City. 

For as small as the town is, their sense of community has overwhelmed Struck. “We appreciate the support, the conversations in public and on game day.” He hopes to continue to represent Dodge City and Southwest Kansas throughout the playoff run. 

When it comes to the playoffs which start next week, Struck said the team believes they match up player for player against every team in the league when they show up and play their best game. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, he thinks they can beat any team in this year’s playoff field.