Mehlville High School football head coach Kent Heinemann eyes are set on playoff success this season with the goal of a conference championship in mind.

The Panthers are part of Suburban Conference – Orange with schools like Seckman, Oakville, Webster Groves and more. Mehlville finished 3-2 in conference and 5-6 overall in 2021, good enough for third in the Orange division. 

Heinemann said the team is looking forward to rematches of some of those conference games, especially against 2021 champion Seckman High School.

“Our goal every year is to win a conference championship. We have not done that since they moved to this set up. Seckman last year really whooped us and we’re kind of looking forward to playing them again,” Heinemann said, referencing last year’s 54-20 loss to the Jaguars. 

Outside of team success, Heinemann said another goal for the Panthers is to run a more balanced offense.

“We’ve always been an offensively run-heavy team — I would like to be a little more effective with the passing game, especially play action,” he said. “Our offensive line is going to be pretty decent this year, so I’m expecting to be able to run the ball again but I’d like to throw a bit just to keep defenses honest.” 

The offense features players like senior tackle Colby Bizelli and senior running back Solomon Galbraith and a battle for quarterback as of the first week of practice.

“We’ve got two sophomores battling it out right now, they’re really pretty close,” Heinemann said. “I’m hoping in the next week one of them steps up but I wouldn’t be opposed to playing them both.”

Heinemann said he expects some players who had some varsity time last season and “great offseasons” to step up in 2022. 

The Panthers kick off 2022 at Fox High School Aug. 26. Fox won last year’s matchup 21-6.