Mehlville football coach Kent Heinemann said the team is anxious to get back to work after a shortened 2-2 season in 2020. 

“Last year everything was so upside down and we didn’t know what was going on,” Heinemann said. “I’m just really excited for the opportunity to have a season this year.”

He said the Panthers are looking for a conference championship and a shot at a district title when the time comes.

The team lost several key players to graduation, but Eric Ohmer, one of the team’s best players on both sides of the ball, is returning after starting at running back and safety last year. Heinemann said the coaching staff is considering moving him around the field when the season starts.

Outside of Ohmer, Heinemann said there are several other players he is planning to start on offense and defense. Josh Kaemmerer played fullback and linebacker last year, Mark West played running back and cornerback and Colby Bizelli is rounding out both the offensive and defensive lines.

Heinemann said a former Mehlville soccer player is joining the squad at multiple positions as well.

“Josh Everding played soccer the last three years and this year he decided for whatever reason he wanted to try football,” Heinemann said. “He has looked really good early on.”

Everding will play at middle linebacker and kicker for the Panthers.

“Our kids are a resilient bunch, I’m sure that came from last year. They show up everyday, they work hard, they don’t get rattled too much,” Heinemann said. “We try to put them in situations in practice where it’s difficult, and we do that on purpose to teach them how to handle adversity. It’s just a blue collar group of kids, it’s really fun to be around.”

Mehlville opens its season Aug. 27 at home against Lindbergh.