If things truly start up front in football, the Helias Crusaders should have a leg up on their opponents this season.
The Crusaders, who wrapped up their first week of practice Friday, return four starters on the offensive line and all three on defense this season.
"If you're going to have experience, these are great places to have it," Helias head coach Phil Pitts said Friday during picture day. "It's as talented a group as we've had in the past few years up front."
Blake Wilbers is a returner on both of the offensive and defensive lines.
"This should be the best group on the team," Wilbers said. "We have a strong bond and we know what we're doing. We've seen a lot of things and it lets us know what to do and what not to do."
The senior co-captain, who is in his third season on the varsity, said both he and the team put in a lot of work in the off-season.
"I worked pretty hard in the weight room, trying to get ready for this season," Wilbers said. "As a team, we did a great job of conditioning and in the weight room. We changed a lot of things in the weight room and I think we improved a lot."
Wilbers returns at center. Brody Buschjost, the right guard and also a co-captain, is a returning full-time starter. Dane Clutter at left tackle and Hunter Strope at left guard also started last season. Cole Johnson will take over at right tackle.
Wilbers was a Class 4 all-state selection by both the coaches and media on the defensive line in 2013. Buschjost and Hale Hentges also return as starters on Helias' three-man front.
The Crusaders will be counting on the group of linemen heavily this season.
"They have to lead us," Pitts said. "It's a group that knows what they have to do. They need to take what they do well and do it even better, and they are putting in the work to get that done.
"They have to nearly be perfect, they really can't have a sloppy day or practice or game."
Todd Buschjost, Hentges and Alex Faddoul are Helias' other co-captains this season.
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Pitts said the Crusaders got through the first week of practice healthy and excited to work.
"Our team is getting better each and every day and as a coach, that's all you can ask," he said. "This team has taken the ball and run with it.
"Our young guys are getting better, our leadership is getting better. It's been a great week."
The Crusaders will have a chance to show off that progress with a scrimmage starting at 5 p.m. today at Helias. The team will be divided evenly talent-wise for the event.
"This will go a long way in deciding our depth chart heading into the Jamboree," Pitts said.
Helias will take part in the Jamboree at Blair Oaks on Friday, Aug. 15.
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Helias will open the season Sunday, Aug. 24, against Nixa at Adkins Stadium in a game slated to be televised on ESPNU.
Nixa, a Class 5 quarterfinalist last season, will be without talented running back Alec Murphy. The senior, who has committed to Mississippi State, will be suspended for the season-opener after being cited in a shoplifting incident earlier this summer. News of the suspension was released Friday.
Murphy rushed for 1,973 yards and scored 22 touchdowns last season for the Eagles.