Another factor is continuity.

“We haven’t changed systems,” Hefner added. “We make minor adjustments each year, based on our personnel, but what they learned as freshmen is the same thing they’re running as seniors. Consistency is a big part of that success.”

But it’s been 16 months since these kids have faced an opponent wearing helmets and pads. Preparation time has been reduced. And, there are 13 basketball players that will have a limited time to practice with the full squad.

The basketball season officially ended March 13.

Boys not engaged in basketball were required to have 12 days of practice. Those in basketball were required to have 10 days of practice before becoming eligible. Those basketball players have been engaged with practices that focus on football-specific drills and will be eligible. But they did not have any full contact days until March 15, just four days before the season opener.

“We’ll have a number of starters coming from basketball,” Hefner explained. “They’re coming off a successful season, having won the Apollo Conference. They’re used to winning and expect to win.

“What worries me is the lack of lead-time,” the coach added. “Normally, you have a couple months to get your body prepared to play and be physically ready for a football season. I worry about our players’ safety. But I’ve been impressed with the amount of retention they’ve shown. That’s the benefit of knowing our system.”

Hefner welcomed 75 kids this year. There are 20 seniors, 11 juniors, 24 sophomores and 19 freshmen.

He brings back quite of bit of experience on both sides of the ball.

He did lose an outstanding group of seniors a year ago, including quarterback Nathan Schackelford, fullback/tight end Jett Gillum, strong safety Logan Brown and linebacker Mason Hasty.

But he also returns plenty of talent and experience on both offense and defense.

Hefner believes his defensive unit will be very strong and could carry the team in the early games as the offense gets accustomed to working together.

Three-year starters Austin Herboth (defensive end), Alex Baughman (defensive tackle), Jacob Stoneburner (linebacker) and Parker Wolfe (cornerback) are all back, as are experienced players Gabe Kihne (linebacker), Jakob Logan (free safety) and Gunnar Franklin (cornerback).

Hefner also projects Trevon Benavides to be a starter at safety and Shawn Cochran and Max Nelson to see plenty of action in the defensive backfield.

Zac Slifer, Kalen Reardon and Logan Heil are battling for positions in the defensive line.

“Our defensive unit could be very good,” Hefner said. “We’ve got a lot of experience back, plus some other talented kids that I believe will do a very nice job for us.”

Even though the record-setting quarterback Shackelford graduated, there is also talent returning to the EHS offense.

Nate Thompson figures to take over the quarterback duties this spring. He is not the runner Shackelford was, but Hefner is confident his senior QB will step in and do a fine job.

“We may run more of a traditional offense and not as much spread,” Hefner noted. “We’ve still got a good running back and some great people to throw to. It just might take as a little bit to get a flow to our offense.”

Chase Woomer, the leading rusher in 2019, will return to a position that Hefner says also has depth. Edgar Castillo will be an important blocker from his fullback position.

Tristin Duncan, the all-time leading receiver at EHS and big-play threat, will return at end, as will Holden Lewis and Parker Wolfe.

Also returning are Ethan Huss (guard) and Nathan Barnes (tackle) to bolster an offensive line that could have three sophomores in the starting lineup – Connor Thompson (tight end), Jacob Foster (center) and Riley Crain (guard). Junior Cohen Woods figures to be the other starter at tackle.

“We have the parts to be a good offensive team,” Hefner said. “It just could take a couple games to gel. Nate only had four days to practice with the entire team before the first game, as did guys like Jacob, Parker and Chase. It’s just going to take a little time for it all to come together.”

The Hearts open their season March 19 at Mahomet-Seymour. They will play an Apollo Conference team all six weeks, but is the only team in the league that will do so. Because of changes as to when the season would start and scheduling difficulties, each of the other schools will play six games, but only five conference games.

Effingham will play its home opener March 26 against Charleston; travel to Mattoon on April 2; play at home against Taylorville on April 9; at home against Mt. Zion on April 16; and finish the season at Lincoln on April 23.

Hefner tabbed Mt. Zion as the pre-season favorite to win the Apollo Conference.

“I really like some things that I’ve been seeing,” Hefner said. “Offensively, we’re doing some good things up front, and when we get everybody together defensively, we have a chance to be pretty good. Several of our returning starters play key spots.

“I’m concerned about the lack of preparation time, especially physically,” Hefner added. “But we have to find ways to still be good fundamentally. And weather this time of year could also be a challenge.”

There will be some reminders of COVID. The kids are required to masks inside their helmets, as well as mouth pieces. Water will not be provided for the team. Players will need to bring their own water bottles. And in order to provide more distancing, the team box has been extended. Rather than from one 25-yard-line to the other, it will now be expanded from one 10-yard-line to the other.

“Things are going to be different,” Hefner said. “But I’m glad for the kids. They are really happy to be back out and have the opportunity to be playing football again. Our practices have been spirited and they’ve been doing a good job.”

Kickoff time is near.