“We have to improve in two areas,” Hefner explained. “Our box people have got to get pressure on the quarterback. “They’ve just had too much time to throw the ball. It’s hard to cover everybody when there’s no pressure.
“And our defensive backs have got to improve,” Hefner added. “They haven’t been playing the proper technique and they haven’t been keeping the proper cushion. Last week, there were times they weren’t even lined up correctly.
“Plus, for the first time this year, we tackled poorly. But then a few times, we just got beat. Part of that is on us coaches, too. These things have to be corrected and we’ve been working very hard this week trying to do exactly that.”
The veteran coach wouldn’t elaborate, but said some adjustments in his team’s defensive scheme would be made this week.
On the offensive side, there will be changes, as well. D.J. Latham will assume the duties at fullback and some new “wrinkles” will be installed.
“Generally, we try to progress each week and put in some new stuff,” Hefner noted. “I feel we have to.”
In comparison, when looking at explosive plays, Effingham has four through three games -- three on the ground and just one from a pass.
Weldon Dunston IV has been one constant on offense. The senior running back has carried the ball 81 times – an average of 27 carries a game – and rushed for 586 yards. That represents nearly 60 percent of the EHS offense alone. The Hearts have a total of 979 offensive yards. Dunston has also scored 10 of the team’s 13 touchdowns.
The dual quarterbacks – Jaxon Bridges and Max Buzzard – have combined to complete 22 of 44 passes, but for just 253 yards. Buzzard has the lone TD pass, but neither QB has thrown an interception.
These new changes will be introduced against a Mattoon team that has been outscored 111-42. Offensively, the Green Wave like to run the option and try to spread out opposing defenses at times. They are averaging 289 yards a game – 146 on the ground; 143 in the air.
Junior quarterback Shayden Neff leads the offense. He has completed 32-of-60 pass attempts for 429 yards, with two touchdowns and five interceptions. Senior running back Trysten Sewell has gained 254 yards on 55 carries and scored three TDS, while Cole Kimbro has proven to be Neff’s favorite target, hauling in 12 passes for 187 yards, with a long reception of 79 yards.
“Kimbro is a heckuva player,” Hefner said. “They try to find different ways to get him the ball. And on defense, he’s a first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-state linebacker. He’s all over the field.”
Kimbro is a key to Mattoon’s 4-3 defense. The senior linebacker has recorded 45 tackles in three games so far.
Friday will be Military Appreciation Night at Jack Klosterman Field. The Hearts have been very successful in previous years; their only loss coming last year to Breese Mater Dei.
It’s also the conference opener.
“It’s always important to get off to a good start in the conference,” Hefner admitted. “We always look forward to wearing our camo uniforms for the Military Appreciation game. We just need to come out, play hard and show improvement.”
