Eastern wants to take another step forward as a program this season: That means its time to put together a winning season.

The Comets feel they have the pieces in place to do so, but maybe more if everything falls in place.

Eastern graduated just four seniors off its 4-6 team from last year. So, if everyone stays healthy a problem in recent seasons the team could be in position for just the programs third winning season in 17 years.

We want to improve on last year, so we want to get to that winning record, Eastern coach Josh Edwards said. Thats where we want to get to this year. I think we can do more than that with this group. We only graduated four seniors from last year, so we feel pretty good. We feel like we can do some positive things if we stay healthy, which has been a struggle for us.

The Comets will be led at quarterback by junior Garrett Hetzner, who brings a fullback mentality to the position. Nolan Grubb will be the backup. Scott Mullenix was injured in Week 5 last season and Hetzner took over the starting role to finish the season, so he has experience at the position.

Hetzners leadership and toughness will not be a concern, Edwards said. If anything, he might need to be reeled in at times. They want him to be physical and tough, but to be smart and pick his spots.

Hed rather run you over than throw the ball, Edwards said, noting that attitude was on display in a recent practice. He wanted to lower his shoulder and run over a guy on one of the running plays. You like that mentality in the game, but at the same time you have to be smart about things. Were trying to get that under reins because hes going to give you 150 percent.

Easterns offensive line has two attributes that Edwards is excited about: physicality and intelligence. The offensive lines grade point average is probably the highest in recent years for that unit, which is translating to their ability to make adjustments from one play to the next.

Those playing on the offensive line will consist of Otis Smith, Isaac Mauer, Jake Nelson, Elijah Moon, Spencer Williams, Tyler Hurson and Blaine Kolb.

You can show 1,000 pictures in the film room and the white board, but as soon as the picture changes on the field, how are they capable of adjusting to that? Thats been our problem in recent years. Weve had very strong, physical kids, but weve had trouble adjusting to the changing picture on the field, Edwards said. Now, thats changing due to the work from the players and coaches. These kids are making the adjustments on their own. Theyre very sharp and making adjustments at a very high rate.

Eastern will still run a spread offense, but with some new wrinkles due to the group of running backs on the field this season. Braden Sparks, an all-Hoosier Heartland Conference wide receiver last season, will run from the F position in single running back formations. Junior Dontae Nolder, another all-conference receiver, junior Dakota Spencer and Tytus Morrisett will all be key contributors.

Were pretty blessed because we have four guys that are going to play there and really, the way were looking at it right now, were hoping each one of those guys can get 8 to 10 carries per game, Edwards said.

The group of running backs will offer some varying looks that will expand the offensive possibilities for the Comets.

A couple of those kids are more downhill runners, straight ahead, Edwards said. We want to be more physical with the running game this year. Ive got some guys that want to run downhill. Ive got some kids that are more of our zone scheme, then will take it and maybe wait, and then cut against the grain.

Eastern will likely play six wide receivers each game, along with tight end Luke Monize. The Comets will play anything from 2- to 5-wide receiver sets out of their spread looks.

Nolder and Sparks will continue to play wide receiver this season, along with getting carries as a running back. Tyler Gilbert, Eli Elkins, Logan McNeil, and Greg Black will fill out the rotation at receiver. Jake Cooper would also be getting reps, but will miss quite a bit of time after having a knee surgery.

The defense will be physical and aggressive. Theres a trend thats noticeable when Edwards talks about that side of the ball.

Theyre hitters, Edwards said. This group likes to hit. They hit. Thats something where you can coach it, you can preach it and you can push it all you want but a little bit of that is engrained in the brain. These kids have a very aggressive mentality.

Otis Smith, Tyler Hurston, Alford and Gilbert are the defensive linemen. Asher Walden and Monize are the middle linebackers, while Spencer and Hetzner are the outside linebackers. Morrisett and Caleb Price are backup outside linebackers.

Nolder and Cory Robinson are the safeties, while Elkins and Black will work at the cornerback positions, with Kayden McPhillips and McNeil serving as backups.

Easterns youth leagues have played games inside of Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFLs Indianapolis Colts. Now, the varsity will get its chance when the Comets meet Carroll on Sept. 16.

Its once-in-a-lifetime because you never know when you might get back there, Edwards said. You hope and pray you have a team that makes it there, but thats pretty rare for anybody. This is once-in-a-lifetime for the coaches and the kids.

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