After 48 wins in the last 51 games - and a state championship - Normal Community has handed the ball to Wes Temples – and he doesn't plan to fumble.

"A lot of people say is there pressure here, is there pressure there, but its an honor to step into what Hud's (Venerable) built here," said the 29 year-old Temples. "Hud has this program going in a direction and its an honor to step in here. These kids enjoy that. They know what the expectation is."

Temples ascension to head coach of the Ironmen comes after 6 years as an assistant under Hud Venerable, a man Wes considers a mentor and a good friend.

"Hud had a lot of energy. Hud's last year if you came in here during the year you would have never known it. He was no different than he was the first day that I joined the staff."

The players say camp isn't much different under Temples. He was Normal Community's defensive coordinator last year. According to senior lineman Jared Lammers, while the coach has changed the expectations haven't.

"We expect to come out and play hard every game and hopefully win every game and have fun."

Chris Majercin, a senior tight end, says there's a feeling of responsibility to keep the program at a high level.

"We definitely want to keep the tradition going, not just for Coach Temples, but keep it going for the young guys too."

But Temples has also stressed that the players owe it to themselves to get the job done.

"We talk to our team a lot about how do you want to be remembered. What type of foot print do you want to leave on this program. A lot of these kids are chomping at the bit to actually get that opportunity now."