EUREKA, Illinois (WMBD/WYZZ) – The Eureka Hornets have reached the playoffs seven years in a row under Jason Bachman.

And it’s a good feeling for them that they were able to celebrate their eighth win in a row this fall.

The Hornets have 74 players on the field, and Bachman says he has eight returning starters on both sides of the football. Ben Lapp and Tanner Wiegand are expected to carry the brunt of the load as running backs for Eureka, which has had great team speed for years.

“I’m very fortunate to have all these guys around me,” said senior quarterback Austin Gerber. “I’m fortunate to have them around me. I’m really excited to see where we go this year.”

The Hornets, who had a 5-5 record a year ago, also bring back linebacker Tory Kupferschmid and lineman Caleb Haynes from defense.

“I’m really excited. We have a lot of talent and athleticism,” said Haynes, who plays on both the offensive and defensive line. “I just hope we stay consistent and persevere and do everything we set out to do this year. It’s going to be a good year.”

Eureka hosts Canton for the season opener on August 30th.

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