As it gets closer to football season, you may notice a slight change when it comes time to do the teams pep talks during games.

Last season, the head coach was Terry McCombs, but in late January a new head coach was approved by the Minooka school board for the 2018 season.

The new coach is John Belskis. Belskis was an assistant coach last season along with Bob Williams.

Belskis is excited to see what the team has to offer this season.

“I enjoy working with such a talented group of individuals. They have been putting in a lot of work and it looks like it will be a great season,” Belskis said.

The Indians ended their 2017 season with a 9-3 record and a state quarterfinal appearance in Class 8A.

Soon after the season ended, McCombs was hospitalized due to health issues and decided to step down from being head coach.

This season the Indians have set many goals for the team and themselves.

Junior Sam Budris is planning on doing everything he can this season to help better the team.

“One of my goals for the season is to do everything I can to help the team get better, and help the seniors have the best season of their life,” Budris said.

Budris is not the only one who has set goals. Junior Connor Etzkorn hopes to better himself as a player this season.

“My main focus for the year is staying healthy, but along with that I am hoping for 1,000 rushing yards,” Etzkorn said.

Friday night lights are right around the corner, and the team is hoping for a win in their first game.

Senior Devin Kroplewski has been practicing hard to defeat the upcoming team.

“The first game is always the most nervous besides the Homecoming game,” Kroplewski said. “Winning the first game will show a better promise for a good season.”

The Indians and their fans are looking forward to a great season under the stadium lights. The first game is Friday, Aug. 24 at home against Plainfield South.