But they will need to bounce back from that tough loss. The Hearts and Railsplitters will enter with identical records (3-3 overall; 2-2 in the conference), knowing they still have work to do in their quest for the playoffs. Six wins guarantees a playoff berth, but five at least gives teams a chance to be selected. For five-win teams, it comes down to strength of schedule and how many playoff points you accumulate through the season.
For the Hearts, they will finish with a home game against Breese Mater Dei before traveling to Highland for the season finale.
“We really need Friday night’s game to keep our playoff hopes alive,” Hefner admitted.
Lincoln’s three wins have come against Clinton (28-0), Charleston (20-0) and Mattoon (27-7). They have also been defeated by Jerseyville (26-14), Mahomet-Seymour (63-14) and Mt. Zion (41-14).
“This is the best Lincoln team we’ve played,” Hefner said. “They are a fairly talented group, so we can’t go in thinking this is going to be some easy game. If we do that, we’ll be in trouble.”
Lincoln runs a Wing-T offense – something you rarely see anymore.
“It’s an unconventional offense with unusual formations,” Hefner explained. “It’s all built on misdirection and trying to get your eyes on defense going where they’re not supposed to be. They have a couple skilled kids and if we don’t read things properly, we’ll be in trouble.”
The veteran coach said one of the keys will be containing junior running back Ki’on Carson.
“We have to know where No. 24 is at all times,” Hefner said. “He’s their best weapon and he’s real fast.”
On defense, the Railsplitters like to use an even front that “looks a lot like us in terms of schemes,” the EHS coach added. “They play a number of kids both ways. Hopefully, that will be to our benefit.”
The week didn’t start well for the Hearts.
“Tuesday’s practice was not good,” Hefner noted. “There was no energy at all. I think the boys were still a little hung over from the loss Friday night.
“But these kids know what’s on the line and I’m confident they’ll bounce back,” Hefner added. “We’re playing at a high level right now and we need to keep that up. This is very important game.”
Kickoff in Lincoln will be at 7 p.m.
