Entering his seventh season, Hefner has compiled a 41-18 overall record. The Hearts have gone 9-2, 9-3, 11-2 and 5-0 the last four seasons and reached the quarterfinals and semifinals in the playoffs.

To repeat that type of success again in 2021, newcomers to the lineup will need to perform at a high level. A lot of starters were lost from a year ago, including nine all-conference players – linemen Nathan Barnes and Ethan Huss, end Tristin Duncan and running back Chase Woomer on offense; and defensive end Austin Herboth, linebackers Jacob Stoneburner and Gabe Kihne, and defensive backs Parker Wolfe and Jakob Logan on defense.

“We have some very good players that just haven’t had a chance to play yet because of the people that were in front of them,” Hefner said. “But they’ve been working hard and are anxious to prove what they can do.”

Offensively, there is experience in the line with four starters returning. Senior Cohen Woods returns at tackle, while juniors Jacob Foster, Riley Craig and Connor Thompson will return at center, guard and tight end respectively.

Senior Chase Kiefer, junior Kobe Coburn and sophomore Braden Verdeyen are competing for the other line spots.

The backfield and wide receiver positions will have a new look.

Junior Tanner Pontious will be the quarterback. A broken bone in his foot prevented him from playing a year ago.

“As long as Tanner can stay healthy, he should be fine,” Hefner said. “He’s a dual threat. He’s 6’3” and 180 pounds. He’s pretty fast, he runs hard, and he’s shown improvement throwing the football.”

Senior Keegan Baker did play a little as a running back last year. Juniors John Westendorf and Kaedyn Gillman, plus sophomore Spencer Fox could also see action carrying the ball. Juniors Evan Waymoth and Myles Maxedon will handle the fullback responsibilities.

At wide receiver, seniors Noah Jones and Dalton Fox, plus juniors Armando Estrada and Caden Walls, plus a number of sophomores, are all vying for playing time. Hefner said Walls is the fastest of that group.

“The strength of our offense is the experience up front and the number of kids that carry the ball,” Hefner explained. “And we’ll be adding to our running game package with our quarterback.

“We do have to figure out a way to replace Tristin and our big play capability,” the veteran coach added. “We will have some opportunities because our play action should be effective, but my concern is how well we can push the ball downfield.”

Defensively, it will be almost a complete overhaul, as 10 starters are gone from last year’s squad.

The only returning starter is junior defensive end Logan Heil.

Other potential starters on the line include junior Blake Bushue and sophomore Charlie Ring at defensive tackle and sophomore Maddox Burner at defensive end.

At linebacker will be seniors Dalton Fox, who saw some playing time a year ago, and Edgar Castillo, who was a fullback last year.

Senior Max Nelson will be the strong safety and junior Connor Simmons will be at free safety. Jones and junior London Rinkel will see time at “The Heart” position and three players – senior Damon Kalber and juniors Carter Bushue and Gillman – are competing at cornerback.

“Obviously, inexperience is the main concern on defense,” Hefner said. “Aside from Dalton and Logan, there’s not much Friday night experience. But these kids know our system and our schemes. They know what to do.

“The upside is this is the only system they’ve been in,” Hefner added. “Mistakes are going to happen. They’ll just need to learn from those mistakes and correct them. But I know these kids will play hard and compete. If they line up right and have their eyes in the right places, I think our defense will be fine. They just have to adjust to the speed of the game at the varsity level.”

Even with the inexperience and difficult schedule, Hefner is excited about the season ahead. And he’s looking forward to having fans back in the stands.

“This does feel more natural,” he admitted. “Since last season actually finished in April and then we turned back around and started lifting, running and doing speed and agility drills in June, it’s been a quick turnaround. On the upside, the retention of what they learned has been high. The challenge is continuing to prepare, but also allowing time for recovery.”

The first practice was August 9 and the heat reminded everyone they weren’t playing in the spring this time around.

“The spring was much cooler. We sure didn’t have to drag the water around as much,” Hefner recalled. “But I’d much rather be going now than in the spring again.”

As far as expectations, Hefner said those haven’t changed.

“Our goals are the same,” he noted. “We want to win the conference, be playing our best football at the end of the season and then get into the playoffs and see if we can make a run.”

A strong program that simply reloads can set those types of goals each and every season.