Effingham will need to put that game in the rear-view mirror, however, and get ready for a Mahomet-Seymour team that is strong on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, the Bulldogs average 429 yards and 41 points. In the three Apollo Conference games, they own a 122-23 scoring advantage and have limited their league opponents to only 190 yards per contest.
Mahomet-Seymour’s high-powered offense is led by senior quarterback Lucas Dyer. He is completing 64 percent of his passes, connecting on 84-of-131 attempts. He has thrown for 1,514 yards that include 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
His favorite receiver, Trey Peters – a University of Illinois commit – is injured and will miss the remainer of the season. He had hauled in 22 passes for 573 yards and seven TDs. But senior Gavin Hammerschmidt has stepped up, catching 24 passes for 431 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Bulldogs can also run the ball. They have already rushed for 1,039 yards. Junior tailback Cade Ashby is the workhorse. He has carried the ball 137 times, gained 564 yards and scored 10 TDs.
“Their quarterback is outstanding,” Hefner said. “He can really throw it and he can also take off and run if the pocket breaks down. He’ll be the best quarterback we see this year.
“They like to run a fast tempo offense,” Hefner added. “They will use a number of formations and a number of personnel groupings. They are very good at running it and throwing it. They are fast, athletic and big up front.”
A key matchup will be Effingham’s running game against the Mahomet-Seymour defense. The Bulldogs are only allowing 114 yards a game on the ground in conference play, while the Hearts are averaging 275 yards.
And it’s a sure thing that MSHS defense will be keeping a close eye on Weldon Dunston IV. The EHS senior tailback has cracked the 200-yard plateau four times already this season and is averaging 229 yards rushing a game. He has also scored 24 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs pass defense has been even stingier, limiting the three league teams to only 76 yards a game. The Hearts have thrown for just 554 yards so far this season, but Jaxon Bridges has been looking more comfortable in the passing game. The junior completed 11-of-14 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown at Taylorville.
“They (Mahomet-Seymour) bring a ton of pressure on defense,” Hefner said. “They like to put a lot of guys on the line of scrimmage. They strike and play off of blocks better than anybody we play. Plus, their secondary is fast and athletic. They’re just a very good football team.”
The goal for the Hearts will be ball control.
“We will try to keep the ball out of their hands,” Hefner explained. “We need to be able to run the ball, control the clock and keep their offense off the field. And when we’re on defense, hopefully we can put pressure on their quarterback, keep the ball in front of us and make them earn what they get. This will be the best team we’ll play this year.”
The Hearts need one win to qualify for the postseason. Their final two regular season games are at Mt. Zion (3-3) on October 18 and then at home against Centralia (4-2) on October 25.
Kickoff Friday at Jack Klosterman Field is set for 7 p.m.
