No matter where I go, people are talking about the Hearts. I’ve talked to a couple men that haven’t been to a single game all year, but they plan to be at Jack Klosterman Field Saturday afternoon.

I told them kickoff is set for 2 p.m., but encouraged them to come early if they wanted a seat. Some are saying Saturday’s game could draw the largest crowd ever for an Effingham football game. Hopefully, the weather won’t be too bad and dampen that attendance.

I remember the crowd for last year’s Bishop McNamara game. Unbelievable! You’ve heard about the atmosphere at some sporting events being described as “electric?” That’s exactly what it was like at last year’s quarterfinal contest. It was as good or better than any high school football game I’ve ever covered – and I’ve been doing this since 1978.

I’m continually asked to make a prediction about Saturday’s game. First of all, I’m terrible at that type of stuff. Secondly, it’s really hard to do that for high school teams. Comparing strength and quickness, or strength of conference or schedule is almost impossible, especially for a team we’ve never seen.

And I guarantee you, people in Murphysboro are asking the same questions about Effingham -- and probably getting similar responses.

But that’s one of the neat things about high school playoffs. Facing new opponents. The unknown about what to expect.

On paper, it looks like it should be a high-scoring affair. But as these playoffs have proven, expect the expected.

Going into the second round game against Benton, the question was -- “Will the Hearts be able to move the ball and score against their stingy defense?” When the game was over, Effingham had racked up 423 yards and 42 points.

In last week’s game at Fairbury, the question was -- “Will the Hearts defense be able to stop Prairie Central’s triple option offense and get off the field?” When the final horn sounded, the Hearts had dominated the time of possession and posted a 27-14 victory.

There are so many questions that will need to be answered.

Whose offensive and defensive lines will control the line of scrimmage?

Can the Hearts follow their assignments on defense and not get caught up in all the ball fakes and offensive movement the Red Devils are going to throw at them?

How will Murphysboro try to defend Effingham’s balanced and varied attack? Will they crowd the line of scrimmage and try to stop the running game? Will they drop more defenders into the secondary and try to limit the Hearts passing attack?

Who will turn the ball over at a crucial time? Or commit a penalty that proves costly?

If rain and snow does fall Saturday morning, will the playing surface benefit one team over another?

There are so many variables and “what ifs” to think about.

Here’s what I know for certain.

The Hearts are 11-1 and the Red Devils are 10-2. Both teams have had outstanding seasons and deserve to be in the semifinals. And the winner will get to travel to DeKalb the Friday after Thanksgiving and face either Coal City or Richmond-Burton for the state championship.

Everything else will be determined on game day.

I welcome the opportunity to make that lengthy drive to DeKalb. But win or lose, it won’t change my thinking whatsoever. These young men are champions already. The way they play the game and conduct themselves on and off the field is something our school and community can be proud of.

They’re coached hard and they play hard. They’ve made silly mistakes and eye-popping plays. They’ve made us grumble under our breath and cheer till we’re hoarse.

And win or lose Saturday, both teams will be able to walk off the field with their heads held high, knowing they’ve been part of a great football season, provided many special moments and given their coaches, teammates, parents, fans – and even the media -- memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at Klosterman Field. Come early. Wear red. And cheer loud.

But most of all, enjoy a special game played by a special team.

Go Hearts!