In the midst of the best five-year run in program history, Herbert Hoover has posted a pair of undefeated regular seasons and clinched two state runner-up spots since Joey Fields was named head coach of the Huskies in 2020. Hoover won their first 13 games last fall before losing to Bridgeport in the Class AAA final.

"It was definitely special. I have grown up here my whole life watching 17 years before me and coming to Hoover games," said Herbert Hoover senior Sam Kee. "Seeing us at Charleston and how many people, it was special seeing what it meant to our community. It really brought everyone together. They packed the house there so it meant a lot."

"It was something in my life that I never experienced," said Herbert Hoover senior Devin Silvas. "I was blessed to be a part of a team that did so well and was able to be so together."

"It was special. It was kind of like a dream come true, making it to that big game even though we didn't get the result we wanted," said Herbert Hoover senior Blake Fisher. "Last year was just a special year for the team and the community."

Graduation losses were heavy for the Huskies but several experienced veterans are back in Elkview. Blake Fisher accounted for 1,715 yards from scrimmage and 25 touchdowns last season. Devin Silvas toted the ball for 525 yards and six scores. And Sam Kee led the Huskies with six receiving touchdowns. That senior trio will be relied upon heavily.

"Right now, they are leading the locker room and they are leading the effort out there on the field," Fields said. "Those are guys that have played a lot of football, played in a couple state championship games in Kee. They start with good people and good kids first. They are valuable and they can play for anybody because of what is between their ears. They are smart, tough kids."

JR House Award winner, Northern Illinois quarterback and four-year starter Dane Hatfield accounted for 173 touchdowns and 12,706 total yards in his career with the Huskies. Newcomer Peyton Grigsby will now be called upon to lead an offense that averaged just under 43 points per game a year ago.

"Dane Hatfield has been here for ten years. So anytime you lose a guy who is a veteran, played a lot of football and won a lot of games, it is hard," Fields said. "But the good news is that not a lot of people have a Dane Hatfield across the state. We've got a good young quarterback and a kid that loves football. You see his growth just from the offseason to now, it really shows because he cares about football and he cares about his teammates. He has worked really hard."

"He is picking up everything great. He is definitely picking up things faster than when I got here," Fisher said. "He has surprised me. He is showing good leadership. He can definitely throw the ball. I think he will make a big impact on our offense."

Mighty Lopez will be counted on to lead an offensive line with more experienced returners than they have had in recent years.

"This is the first time in six years since we have been here that we have had three guys back up front," Fields said. "That's a good way to start. It starts with Mighty Lopez. He has played a lot of football for us."

"We have two spots to fill," Kee said. "But we have a lot of competition everyday. These guys are here to compete. Mighty is being real vocal. He is getting people lined up. He is helping people, ripping them when they are not doing what they are supposed to and making sure everything is flowing right."

Despite racking up seven postseason wins in the last three years, Fields is confident that this year’s group is only looking forward with new levels of success in their sights.

"Last year's team is last year's team," Fields said. "That book has been written. I think this senior group is excited to write their chapter in the Herbert Hoover football program."