MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — After back-to-back first-round playoff exits, Mahomet-Seymour is focused on raising the bar.

The Bulldogs have plenty of new roles to fill, but lots of experience back on the offensive line, returning four of five starters from last season.

Taking over at QB is senior Ryan Pruitt, who is the cousin of last season’s starter, Luke Dyer.

The new quarterback has added confidence in his new role, thanks in part to all of that returning talent up front.

“I have immense faith in my team, I trust them completely,” Pruitt said. “I am confident that they are committed for another two, perhaps three years.” “Their extensive experience assures me that they will perform their roles excellently.”

“Ryan has been my friend since I moved here in the sixth grade,” said senior right tackle Phil Daniels. “We’ve played MSYF all the way through to our senior year now.” “It’s fantastic to have him by my side again.” “It’s great to have that connection, beyond having the entire team back and the opportunity to play one last season together.”

“They’re aware that there are many doubts in our community and among the teams we will face about what we’ve lost,” head coach Jon Adkins said. “I believe that has motivated these kids throughout the offseason, summer, and now into the season, as they aim to prove skeptics wrong and demonstrate their true potential.”

The Bulldogs open the season at Morton on August 29.