While the name has changed, the progression from the program has not.
No longer College Heights Christian, New Heights Christian Academy is ready to build off of the success from last season under second-year coach John Lucas, who improved the Cougars from a one-win team two years ago to a 6-4 record last year in 8-man competition last season.
“It gave a ton of confidence for the kids,” Lucas said. “Coming off the first season 1-8 (in 2022) and we got pushed around a lot on the football field as they were learning. Having success breeds confidence.
“There were several factors (for improving last year). Going into last year, the progress in the weight room impacted our play on the field. The kids finally started to embrace getting stronger and that translated on the field in physicality. We also talked about learning from our mistakes. We used those to get better and improve on the little things on both sides of the football.
“Heading into this year, their confidence is definitely growing and increasing. They're looking forward to playing.”
Of course, after improving by five wins a year ago, the goal is to keep the momentum building. To do that, Coach Lucas is adamant that this year’s group has to have the same, or better, work ethic and perseverance through adversity. That means the upperclassmen will be relied upon to take a strong role in leadership.
“It was a ton easier,” Lucas said when asked if the offseason was smoother in Year 2. “Not only the kids, but the parents are starting to buy in as well in terms of making sure the kids are where they’re supposed to be. We had a really good group of seniors who led the effort through the summer. They’re doing a great job of showing the new kids how things are done.
“Their leadership is priceless. Not only on the football field, but in the weight room and during conditioning. The seniors step up and lead by example, not only showing, but explaining to the new guys the reasoning behind why we do things.”
With a program entering its third year in existence, experience is everything. New Heights Christian Academy is returning a bevy of starters and several more with varsity playing time in 2024.
The list of returners for the Cougars is led by senior QB/DB Logan Decker (2170 passing yards, 697 rushing yards, 41 tot TDs), junior WR/ DB Cannon Miller (31 receptions, 3 TDs) and senior RB/OLB Levi Durling (701 rushing yards, 6 TDs; 66 tackles, 1 sack).
“All three of these kids are good athletes,” Lucas said. “Logan had a heck of a year last year. He is a talented kid who has all of the skills to play quarterback. Going into this year, you can see a difference in his maturation as far as leading the offense. Cannon and Levi are both really good athletes who can run the ball really well and can catch as well. Those three will be our strength.”
Also returning with starting experience along the trenches are senior DL Caleb Hipple, senior OL Kaleb Kennedy and sophomore OL Maxton Long.
NHCA also brings back senior OL/DL Tate Angel, junior WR/OLB Corbin Cronnenwitt, junior OLB Jakob Maffei, junior OL/MLB Anderson Smith, junior DL Nick Pfeffer and sophomore OL/DL Hunter Marsh.
“We have improved on the line,” Lucas said. “They’re definitely getting stronger and have closed the gap from a strength perspective. We still have a ways to go, but we are getting stronger up front.”
Sophomore WR/OLB Jake Sullivan is the top newcomer to the varsity squad, expected to make an impact this season.
New Heights Christian Academy opens the season at home against Rich Hill. The game will be played at Fred G. Hughes Stadium on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.
“They’re excited,” Lucas said about getting the season started. “They’re pumped. They’re getting tired of hitting each other and ready to get out there and hit somebody else. There is nothing else like Friday night, and the kids are really looking forward to it.”