Remember when Joe Namath led the New York Jets to the unthinkable victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III way back in 1969?

Nobody gave Villanova a chance to knock off powerful Georgetown in the 1985 NCAA championship basketball game. But when the final buzzer sounded, it was the huge underdog standing in the winner’s circle.

What about the boxing match between Buster Douglas and Mike Tyson in 1990? Come on, be honest. Was there one single person that believed Douglas would even last three rounds, much less win and by knockout?

And what about the “Miracle on Ice?” In what is arguable the biggest upset ever, The U.S. hockey team somehow beat the Russians – the most powerful team in the world – on their way to a gold medal in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Each of these events proved there are absolutely no guarantees in sports. There is a lengthy list of examples in which the best team did not win. As they say, “on any given night…….”

So the fact that the Hearts will be favored means absolutely nothing. They cannot and must not take Lincoln for granted – as if Coach Brett Hefner will let them.

For one thing, they will not be at full strength. Quarterback Nate Thompson and safety Trevon Benavides will not play for sure and linebacker Gabe Kihne is questionable. Thompson broke his hand while completing a touchdown pass in the first quarter Friday night. Benavides hyper-extended his elbow and Kihne is in the midst of concussion protocol.

“As a coach, those things scare you a little,” Hefner admitted. “We will be making that long trip. I know Lincoln hasn’t won a game, but they’ve gotten better as the season progressed. We have to be ready to play.”

Thompson continued to play against Mt. Zion, even though he didn’t have much feeling in the hand at times and played in pain for more than three quarters. To make matters worse, backup quarterback – sophomore Tanner Pontious – is out with a broken foot.

So junior Noah Jones will be behind center against Lincoln. Jones saw action last week, but it was on defense. He came in when Benavides got hurt, and according to Coach Hefner, did a good job.

“Noah does a great job every week being prepared,” Hefner said. “Even knowing he probably won’t play much, he’s always up front at practice, paying attention and getting ready – just in case.

“He stepped in when Trevon went down last week and made a couple big tackles,” Hefner added. “He prepares hard every week like he’s going to be the guy. He’s taken the reps this week in practice and has looked pretty good.”

When Kihne went out late in the first half, it was Dalton Fox that stepped up at linebacker.

“He’s another kid that’s always ready to go,” Hefner said. “Dalton made some very big plays for us last week. He’s a good player.”

Plus, due to the snow on Tuesday and the scheduling of Picture Day on Wednesday, the normal practice routine has been disrupted this week.

“Any time there’s a change in the regular routine, I get nervous,” Hefner said. “But that’s just the way coaches are.”

Lincoln has an offensive style that’s different from all other teams in the Apollo Conference.

“They like to run out of the pistol and use a double wing formation,” Hefner explained. “It’s something we’re not used to seeing. The key is staying disciplined. They like to use a lot of misdirection and if your eyes aren’t in the right place, you can get in trouble.”

Most of this year, Lincoln has used a four-man front on defense. But in the past against Effingham, they have used five down linemen and blitzed a lot. That’s what Hefner expects to see Friday night.

“I know I say this every week, but we can’t turn the ball over,” he said. “And we have to stay away from penalties and not go backwards. We’ve got to be focused.”

The Hearts will enter the game ranked No. 3 in the Illinois Coaches Football Poll. Richmond-Burton is ranked No. 1 and Wheaton St. Francis No. 2.

Effingham also has the opportunity to claim a second straight conference title after finishing on top in basketball just a few short weeks ago. And a victory over Lincoln, would give this group of seniors a 33-7 varsity record during their four years in the football program.

“These kids are used to winning,” Hefner said. “Look at the year they had in basketball. They were one point away from being undefeated. For as much as they’ve had taken away, they’ve had a pretty neat senior year.

“You know what I liked best when I watched the film of the Mt. Zion game?” Hefner said. “Seeing the excitement and body language of our kids. That’s special. I just want these kids to finish the season the right way.”

Kickoff in Lincoln is set for 7 p.m.

Go Hearts!