Mount Vernon plans to sustain success coming off one of its best years in recent memory

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. — Dog days of summer can be brutal in Southwestern Indiana.

The Mount Vernon Wildcats delayed their practice start times by an hour and a half last week because of high temperatures. But they were still working toward what they anticipate to be another successful football season. They lifted weights and went through conditioning, and once they finally took the field, it was nothing but business from there.

The Wildcats are coming off one of their best seasons in program history. Their eight wins were the most in 15 years as they've gone from five losses in 2018, four in '19, three in '20, and just two last season.

Courier & Press predictions:Who will win the Pocket Athletic Conference's two divisions?

This campaign is all about continuing that upward trend.

"We just want to keep winning," junior guard Abe Thomas said. "We all have been working real hard in the offseason. We're just working to get better."

When Mount Vernon faced adversity at times last season, the rallying of the senior class kept them from crumbling. Players like Brady Hook, River Snodgrass and Jaden Wilson stepped up to make big plays that often resulted in victory.

This upcoming season paints a different story. The Wildcats now only have a four-man senior class as their junior class is the largest.

While there are a few question marks with underclassmen stepping into larger roles, third-year head coach Luke Messmer doesn't worry much about returning junior starters such as Thomas and quarterback Nicot Burnett. They are seen as the team's leaders and both earned all-Pocket Athletic Conference honors.

"To have those guys back is huge," Messmer added. "It's not their first time under the bright lights. We're not going into this year totally blind. We have an idea on who can make plays on Friday already."

Burnett is quickly rising as one of the area's top signal callers. He's been Mount Vernon's quarterback since late in his freshman year when he received an opportunity because the original starter contracted COVID. Burnett took over the reigns fully last year and has blossomed since. He passed for 1,153 yards, ran for 536 yards and had 19 total touchdowns. On defense, he added 20 tackles and an interception.

Burnett has worked to elevate his game more this season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound quarterback is faster than he's ever been. And other than growing physically and mentally, Burnett doesn't just want to lead his team by example. He's also working on being more vocal.

"I think last year with the seniors and juniors in place, a lot of those guys took care of the vocal stuff," Messmer said. "This year he's been able to step up and be even louder with his voice."

Burnett added: "(I want to) take the guys under my wing and show them what we need to be doing and the right way to do things."

Having players such as Thomas on the offensive line helps keep pressure off the quarterback. Thomas has been vocal and positive, and his play was a major factor in Burnett's success.

"Abe's a hard worker," Burnett said. "I love the guy. He knows what my goals for the season are. We have the same goals and same commitments. We're just going to show that on the field."

Messmer also is looking for big things out of his freshman class. He plans to have Brady Schickel and Nash Hostetter in the mix on Friday nights. There are a handful of sophomores also competing for more playing time. Hunter Pedrotti, a sophomore, is expected to add depth as a wideout and a defensive back.

Jackson Clowers, Kortez Stewart and Jacob Swartz also highlight the junior class. Clowers and Swartz will be main targets in the passing game after the Wildcats graduated three receivers. Stewart (205 rushing yards, two touchdowns) will continue to work in the backfield along with seniors Ethan Yarber and Colton Lippe.

"We have some guys that could be big pieces, but we're not really sure yet," Messmer said. "They've got to prove it."

From a winless campaign six years ago to three consecutive winning seasons, Mount Vernon has put the PAC on notice. The Wildcats are ready to officially continue that momentum next Friday in the opener with Heritage Hills.

Courier & Press sports reporter Treasure Washington can be reached via her email, treasure.washington@courierpress.com, and on Twitter @Twashington490.

Mount Vernon Wildcats

Last year: 8-2 (4-1 Pocket Athletic Conference Big School Division)

Head coach: Luke Messmer (13-5 in third year at school)

Key players to watch

Nicot Burnett (QB/DB, Jr.), Jackson Clowers (WR/LB, Jr.), Payne Healy (DL, Sr.), Kortez Stewart (RB/LB, Jr.), Abe Thomas (G/DL, Jr.), Ethan Yarber (RB/LB, Sr.)

The Wildcats' three biggest games

Aug. 19 at Heritage Hills: All three of Mount Vernon's most important games will be on the road this season, starting with the opener against Heritage Hills. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings after losing seven straight games.

Sept. 30 at Gibson Southern: Likely the biggest matchup of the season for the Wildcats. They were swept by the defending state champions last fall, so this showdown will hold importance as each team vies for the PAC Big School Division title.

Oct. 7 at North Posey: This Posey County rivalry has grown more significant in recent years as both programs remain on the rise. The Wildcats have won the last three meetings to hold an all-time series lead of 29-26.

Previously: Gibson Southern | Mater Dei | Harrison | Boonville | Central | Princeton | Jasper | Bosse | Forest Park | North Posey | Memorial | Vincennes Lincoln | Castle | Reitz | Heritage Hills | Tell City | North | Tecumseh | Southridge

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA football: Mount Vernon intends to remain a PAC contender