At times, it was a race up and down the field last soccer season for the Helias Crusaders.
This year, the Crusaders are planning to slow things down a little bit.
"We were very quick transition team, it seemed like either we were on offense or defense, there was no real build-up for possession," Helias coach Jay Hebenheimer said as the Crusaders prepare to open the season Friday and Saturday in the Quincy (Ill.) Notre Dame Invitational. "This year, the boys are beginning to to understand that, you know, if we can hold the ball, then the other team can't score."
Hebenheimer spent a lot of time in the offseason studying game film from last fall. That sparked the emphasis on ball possession.
"We don't want to be in that limbo area of transition between offense and defense," he said. "The films showed where we could improve the most and that's in our possession."
Hebenheimer is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Crusaders.
"You can sense my style is beginning to take hold," he said. "The boys are starting to buy-in to what I want to do, they are responding to my style. I'm getting some traction."
The Crusaders have eight seniors among their 29 players on the roster.
"The seniors have really taken the initiative to be great leaders," Hebenheimer said.
Ben Rehagen, one of those seniors, returns to start in goal.
"He's worked so hard over his time with us, he's going to be a huge piece of our success this season," Hebenheimer said.
Ryan Hake and Kaleb Wilson, both seniors, will start as center backs on the defensive end.
"It's not the natural spot for either of them, but they're both team players and have embraced the challenge," Hebenheimer said.
Logan Wilson, a sophomore, will start at right back. The starting position at left back is a continuing competition between juniors Alex Tesreau, Cole Brunnert and Jacob Schrimpf. That trio will also serve as the main reserves for Logan Wilson on the right side.
Isaac Johnson, another senior, will bring his dynamic style to his starting spot as the defensive midfielder. Hebenheimer said Johnson will move around the field to different spots when needed.
"We're going to try to keep some teams on their toes," Hebenheimer said.
Sam Conley and Lyke Hynes, both juniors, will start at the center mid positions.
Jacob Andrews, a senior, will start on the right side of the midfield, while junior Sam Thompson will start on the left side.
Zach Paschal, a senior, will start at forward.
"We're solid through and through," Hebenheimer said. "We have speed, we can use that, but we really want to keep possession of the ball whenever possible.
"It's just a process of trying to figure out who fits best where in our system."
The Crusaders have 10 freshmen on the roster.
"Those guys are technical, they just still have some growing to do," Hebenheimer said.
With that big group, Helias will have the depth to play full JV games this season.
The Crusaders have recently added a pair of home games - Sept. 13 against St. Louis University High and Oct. 1 against Guadalupe Centers High School from Kansas City - to complete its schedule of 18 regular-season contests with two tournaments.
"We've had some holes to fill the past couple of years, but fortunately, we got it done," Hebenheimer said.
One of those tournaments is the season opener. Helias will face three Illinois schools - United Township, Quincy and Quincy Notre Dame.
"It's always a great start to our season against quality competition," Hebenheimer said. "It's a great chance to find out who we are.
"You go up there and get three quality games, it's a great measuring stick against Illinois postseason teams."
Helias has been assigned to Class 3 District 9 with Harrisonville, Warrensburg and Capital City.
"It's awesome to have Capital City in our district, it will be the start of what will be a great rivalry," Hebenheimer said.
After playing next Thursday at Rolla, Helias is scheduled to face School of the Osage in its home opener Saturday, Sept. 7.