After an incredible run deep into the postseason last year, Seneca football and its coach, Cody Hilburn, are working even harder to take that next step in securing a state championship.
The Indians navigated a perfect nine-win regular season, clinching a Big 8 Conference title in the process, before earning four more wins in the postseason to earn a spot in the Class 3 state title game.
“I think that has been building since I’ve gotten here,” Seneca coach Cody Hilburn said about last year’s run. “That first group I had four years ago set the bar by going out and winning a district championship and that next group followed it up by making the semifinals. Each group just wants to build this thing. Last year was a special group of seniors who have been playing since their sophomore year. They were there through the entire build. For them to get to the state title game was special. Obviously, when you get there and don't win it, it puts a bad taste in your mouth. It also sets your motivation for the entire offseason for the next group coming up.”
Unfortunately, Seneca fell 48-34 to Central in the state title game, but that’s where this year’s unfinished business begins.
“I think our kids got a taste of playing in that title game, and that’s the bar now,” Hilburn said. “Our thought going in the offseason has been, ‘What can we do to prepare ourselves better for that opportunity?”’
The bulk of last year’s team is coming back, with 10 starters and 20 total lettermen returning. In fact, the experience factor bodes well as the varsity roster is filled out nearly entirely of upperclassmen.
If building from the inside out is as important as they say, the Indians are in fine shape for the upcoming season. A bevy of players are returning across the trenches on both sides of the ball to anchor Seneca this season.
“We lost some really good skill players,” Hilburn said. “However, we have some linemen coming back. Anytime you can build your team around the offensive line, it’s a good thing.”
Senior OL/DL Dom Brown, senior OL/DE Nolan Napier, senior OL/DE Lane Scribner are joined by junior OL/DL Jace Renfro, the first-team all-Big 8 center a year ago. Also returning along the lines are senior OL/DL Diego Amaya, senior OL/DE Landon Commons and junior OL/DE Brock Pendergraft.
Senior TE/DE Hagen Ginger, the first-team all-Big 8 tight end last year, returns along with junior RB/LB Roman Miller. Senior QB/DB Kaden Clouse is back with junior QB/LB Brodie Probert with senior HB/LB Ryan Owens. Other juniors returning include RB/LB Kye Adams, WR/DB Blaze Adams, WR/DB Drew Sherwood and RB/DB Hunter Hanes.
Newcomers expected to make an impact at the varsity level includes senior WR/DB Tyrone Harris, senior WR/DL Canaan Miller and juniors Connal Truluck (OL/DE), Daran Macy (WR/DB), Jude King (TE/LB) and Gentry Barnes (OL/DL).
Seneca opens the season at home with a matchup against Cassville on Aug. 30.
“I think our seniors may have a little bit of a chip on their shoulders,” Hilburn said. “I think the talk is when you lose that talent of a senior class, there is going to be a little bit of a step back. They’ve heard that early and they are carrying that chip on their shoulders. We want the expectations to be as high as possible here. That is what our kids strive for.”