Instead of heading southwest tonight, the Helias Crusaders are going northeast.
But other than that, not a lot has changed for the Crusaders from Week One to Week Two.
"I feel like it's Nixa Part II, from the red jerseys to the offense," Crusaders head coach Tim Rulo said as Helias prepared to take on Hannibal tonight. "We didn't have to change much on the scout cards this week."
Hannibal runs many of the same offensive formations as Nixa, with similar personnel.
"Athletic up front, great size, a lot of talent all over the field," Rulo said of Hannibal.
Hannibal is a run first, run second and run third style of offense. The Pirates finished with 503 total yards in their opener, a 34-9 win at home against MICDS.
Jerry McBride, Hannibal's senior quarterback, led the way with 190 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Shamar Griffth, a junior, wasn't far behind with 182 rushing yards, while catching three passes for 63 more.
"They have a lot of hard runners behind a big offensive line," Rulo said.
That line is keyed by Dylan Powell (6-foot-3, 273 pounds), one of the top prep linemen in the state who has orally committed to Purdue.
"As a defense, we have to make sure they have to earn every yard they get," Rulo said.
The Crusaders are coming off a 31-9 opening loss at Nixa. But after watching the film, Rulo said it was a much closer game than the scoreboard might indicate.
"We left a lot out there," he said. "There were a couple of plays here and there that really changed the complexion of that game.
"We are so much closer to being special on both sides of the ball than I thought right after the game."
Now it's a matter of getting the Crusaders to believe it.
"As a staff, we see it," Rulo said. "We just hope that the players see it, because there is something special brewing here. We just need to stay the course because there were some flashes of great things by our offense and our defense. We have a lot to build on."
Not that everything was special.
"There are things we know we need to improve on," Rulo said. "When you can walk away from a game feeling you weren't outmatched but there are technical things you need to work on, then you just go back to work and that's what we did."
The practices have been difficult this week by design.
"We have to keep bringing an up-tempo to every practice," Rulo said. "We want practices to be harder than games. It tires us out, but it makes us better for games."
Helias and Hannibal are old rivals and as usual, this game figures have district implications down the road.
"We are going to get a chance to see where we stand against a very good team in our class," Rulo said.
Game time is 7 p.m. in Hannibal.
Notes: Jacob Wolken has recovered from his preseason injuries and will start at right guard on offense and at nose guard on defense for Helias tonight. Cole Johnson is also healthy and will see time on the line. ... Senior quarterback Alex Faddoul put in some work at practice during the week, but will not return "until he's 100 percent," Rulo said. "He's coming along really well, but we don't want to rush it and get it set back a few more weeks." Weston Porter will start again at quarterback for Helias. ... Despite the loss, Helias remained in the Class 4 state rankings at No. 10. Hannibal is receiving votes in the poll. ... Helias defeated Hannibal 52-14 last year at Adkins Stadium. The Crusaders and Pirates did not meet in the district playoffs. ... Helias will open its home schedule next Friday against Bishop Althoff of Belleville, Ill. It is the Crusaders' only Friday night home game this season, with the other three scheduled for Saturdays.
Helias at Hannibal - Updates on Twitter: @tjrackers. Listen live online: kwos.com
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