Hoffman isn't tiring of top-notch competition

Hoffman Estates wanted to increase the competition this summer.

So Hoffman coach Bill Helzer borrowed some ideas from the success of Illinois coach Ron Zook. Each day of summer camp started with drills such as a 1-on-1 tire pull.

And no one tired of the exercises.

"The kids bought into it and loved it," Helzer said. "We took the tire pull away one day and they were looking around saying, 'Where is it?'"

It's all part of an effort by Hoffman to return to the playoffs for the first time since 1994. And the tire pull could go a long way to getting there.

"Last year we were in a lot of games and competed well," Helzer said. "But when it came down to a play or conversion we couldn't seem to dig deep enough to get that extra push or that extra yard."

And even with 18 starters returning Helzer likes what he's seen in the battle for playing time.

"They know there are kids breathing down their necks," Helzer said. "Kids are looking over their shoulder and getting pushed."

Senior cornerback Jerome Henderson saw what he could do when pushed by some of the best in the country. Henderson ran a laser-timed 4.47 40 yards and was seventh of 10 invitees to a Nike camp in Oregon in July.

That speed will also make Henderson a factor catching and carrying the ball.

"We think he's a legitimate Division I player," Helzer said. "That kind of breeds confidence in the other players."

Frank Wadas returns at quarterback and has plenty of other threats. The line figures to be better from some of the rough times of a year ago.

The 3-5-3 defense should also be more effective with third-year starters Tom Dombrowski at free safety and Greg Carroll at middle linebacker.

"Those two guys I feel are truly on my page with what type of defense I want run," Helzer said. "Our defense has a nice little swagger about them with Jerome, Tom, Greg and (Andrew) Pettit."

And what Hoffman hopes is a competitive-ending streak of missing the postseason.