Helias eyeing back-to-back deep postseason runs
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Helias High School has constructed a culture that's centered around competing for championships.
After getting a glimpse at playing for a state crown, the team's returning talent is motivated to return to the state's biggest stage in high school football this year.
The Crusaders are tackling preparation for the 2025 season with a purpose, working to build on last year's 12-2 overall record and runner-up finish in the MSHSAA Class 5 State Tournament.
Despite falling just one win shy of the program's fourth-ever state championship in a success-filled 2024 campaign, Helias is not focused on the past. Instead, head coach Chris Hentges' team is looking forward while embracing the experience it gained from last year's deep postseason run.
"What we always say around here is success in the past does not necessarily guarantee you success in the present. Because we've had success over the last few years, that's not going to win a ball game for us this year. But, I do think you can feed off that experience," Hentges said. "We want to compete for city championships, conference championships, district championships and beyond. That's our sole focus. That's our goal each and every day when we come out."
However, the program's stretch of success spans beyond last season. Helias boasts a 63-11 combined record over the last six seasons, including five city championships, three Central Missouri Activities Conference (CMAC) crowns, three district titles and one state championship ring. Coach Hentges credits the players and his coaching staff for that impressive run.
"Number one, hard working kids... Number two, hard working coaches. I've been able to develop a lot of consistency within the coaching staff. I've been able to retain a lot of my great coaches. When you're not having to completely rebuild your coaching staff each and every year or have a head coach every year or two, you can't really establish a program. I think that's one of the things that has led to our success is we're familiar with one another," Hentges said. "We've all bought into what it means to be a Helias Crusader, and I think that's probably the number one reason that we've been successful."
The Crusaders are bringing back plenty of experience at some key positions. Austin Weaver is entering his third year as the team's starting quarterback, Logan Hillman is returning after being named 2024 CMAC Defensive Player of the Year and most of the team's running back, wide receiver, cornerback, safety and linebacker rooms remain intact.
However, Helias will begin the season with less varsity experience in the trenches. Stone Hosier is the only returning starter on this year's offensive line, making chemistry-building an emphasis for the Crusaders during summer workouts and training camp.
"The offensive line is the hardest part of football. Getting five guys to work together, to communicate, to be in sequence and sync with one another. It takes a lot of work," Hentges said. "It's been fun watching them work hard and progress each and every day."
Collectively, Coach Hentges said his team had great workouts this summer and is off to a great start at practice in preparation for Week 1. During this first week, steady improvement has been the focus.
"The first week of camp is [about] getting better, just taking care of our business, making sure we do what we need to do, get a little bit better each day," Hentges said. "We're just trying to stay laser-focused for the three hours that we have them here each day with us, through our meetings and through our walkthrough time and impressing upon them the importance of understanding those things, working hard through those things, and that equates to success."
Helias kicks off its 2025 season at Ray Hentges Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29 against Hannibal.
