For the First Time in 2022, It'll Be a "Football Friday Night"

We've heard much about the new turf field and massive scoreboard at Klosterman Field at Washington Savings Bank Stadium.

Now, it's time to see about the product on the field.

The Effingham Flaming Hearts begin the 2022 season Friday night, playing host to Decatur St. Teresa. Kickoff is at 7pm. You can hear the action on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. Pre-game coverage will begin at 6:45pm.

Last season was a time to regroup for the football Hearts. Effingham finished with a 4-5 record, ending a three-year streak of trips to the football playoffs. Brett Hefner is back for his seventh season as Hearts coach. He has a 40-23 record as coach at Effingham.

Effingham is rated #8 in the Class 4A preseason poll. 

The Hearts have another loaded schedule.

St. Teresa and legendary coach Mark Ramsey went 12-0 last season. Ramsey has a five-season record at St. T. of 56-7. The team is rated second in the state in Class 2A heading into the season, including two first place votes in the last preseason poll.

Meanwhile, next's week opponent, conference opening opponent Mahomet-Seymour is rated #3 in Class 5A and got a first place vote, Breese Mater Dei is rated #5 in Class 2A, and regular season-ending opponent Highland got several votes in Class 5A, just missing the Top 10.

Quite the chore for the Hearts, but there's a lot to be hopeful about, including returning starting quarterback Tanner Pontious and returning starting running back John Westendorf. Add to that special teams and defensive whiz Armando Estrada who also showed great ability as a pass catcher as last season progressed. The Hearts are blessed to have 23 seniors on this year's roster. 

After hosting St. Teresa, then heading to Mahomet-Seymour, the Hearts will play host to Charleston, then head to Mattoon. Effingham will then have a two-game homestand, hosting Taylorville and Mt. Zion. Effingham then heads to Lincoln before hosting Mater Dei on Senior Night, then wrapping up the regular season at Highland. 

Here's a look at the Week 1 matchups:

Decatur St. Teresa _____ at Effingham _____

Charleston _____ at Herscher _____

Lincoln _____ at Clinton _____

Morton _____ at Mahomet-Seymour _____

Troy Triad _____ at Mattoon _____

Mt. Zion _____ at Bartonville Limestone _____

Taylorville _____ at Mt. Vernon _____

Newton _____ at Sullivan Okaw Valley _____

Cumberland _____ at Shelbyville _____

Christopher-Ziegler-Royalton _____ at Flora _____

Olney Richland County ____ at Lawrenceville _____

Paris _____ at Casey-Westfield _____

Waterloo _____ at Breese Mater Dei _____

Highland _____ at Washington _____