The Hearts are coming off two strong defensive performances. Despite giving up 300 yards to St. Teresa and 407 to Mahomet-Seymour, it hasn’t been easy for either team to move the ball. Last week, it was the screen pass that really hurt. MSHS completed eight of those for 196 yards, including touchdowns of 27, 50 and 62 yards.

“We defended everything well except the screen pass,” Hefner said. “When teams have to go to the screen pass, it means you’re doing pretty good defensively. And don’t forget. That was against the No. 3 team in the state.”

The offense is still a work in progress, but there were definite signs of improvement in Week 2, especially in the second half. Senior tailback John Westendorf missed the game due to a knee injury – and his status is still unknown. Sophomore running back Weldon Duston stepped in, carried the ball 16 times and gained 39 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown in the third quarter – Effingham’s first of the season.

Dunston injured his ankle, however, and he is questionable for this week’s game. Senior Evan Waymoth will switch from his fullback position to tailback, and sophomore Kaden Koberlein will play fullback.

“Evan will run hard and give you maximum effort,” Hefner said. “I think he’ll do fine.”

Senior defensive tackle Blake Bushue is also questionable this week after injuring a hamstring.

“It’s the next man up mentality,” Hefner said. “That’s all you can do.”

Through two games, the Hearts have gained 320 total yards on offense. They have rushed for 154 and thrown for 166 more. Senior quarterback Tanner Pontious has completed 20-of-40 passes for 153 yards. He has thrown one interception and one touchdown pass; that being an 11-yard strike to Jacob Weaver in the fourth quarter last week.

“Scoring those two touchdowns helps gain confidence,” Hefner said. “We did some good things offensively. I thought we got better up front. I liked how they got off the ball. It helps when you turn on the film and you can point out what happens when you do A-B-C correctly against one of the best teams you will see all year. There was definitely improvement.

“When I say we aren’t going to win any track meets, that’s not meant as a slight or a knock toward them in any way,” Hefner added. “But you have to accept who you are. The quicker you embrace that and accept how you have to play to win, the better off you will be. And I think this team does.”

It will be Military Appreciation Night at Washington Savings Bank Stadium.

“The kids are excited about wearing those camo jerseys and a chance to get in the win column,” Hefner noted.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Jack Klosterman Field.