Helias striving to carry consistent success over to 2024 season
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Over the last five seasons, Helias has cracked the code for achieving consistent success. Chris Hentges' program has posted nine or more victories every year since 2019, winning 51 of its 60 games during that span. The key to that consistent achievement has been consistency itself.
"I think just consistency. Consistency in how we prepare, consistency in how we work in the offseason but, probably most important, just consistency in the coaching staff," Hentges said when asked about how his program continues to consistently win games. "We put together a coaching staff that is a very cohesive group, men that love Helias, love Helias football and are here for the right reasons. They coach really hard. They're students of the game. They understand scheme. They can teach it well to the players, and I think that's probably the biggest reason we've been as consistent as we are."
The Crusaders won their second district championship in four seasons in 2023, reaching the state quarterfinals for the second time in that span. Entering the 2024 campaign, Hentges has a team that could make an even deeper playoff run. He says he likes all of his units, the depth of his team and the experience of his offensive and defensive lines. Most of all, his team is made up of athletes who have proven they can win consistently.
"I think we're a confident group. I think we're a focused group. We have 15 starters coming back from last year's team, eight on offense and seven on defense," Hentges said. "They've been a part of good football. We won 10 games last year, and we've got a lot of kids that were major contributors in those 10 wins. I like their mindset. I feel like we're locked. I feel like we're ready. Hopefully, it carries through to a real successful season."
Hentges' experienced group has got their sights set on returning to the state championship stage for the first time since 2020. To accomplish that goal, consistent development, improvement and health will be vital for Helias.
"Obviously number one, we've got to stay healthy, and number two, just keep improving each week. We've got a really tough conference, and each game is going to be a new challenge each week but it's a physical challenge. We're going to have to stay healthy. We've got to continue to develop depth. Just improve on our fundamentals, scheme, being able to execute and just continue to play real hard-nosed Helias Crusader football," Hentges said.
The Crusaders begin their hunt for a sixth consecutive season featuring nine or more wins on Aug. 30 at Hannibal. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
