Varnado seniors Robbie Smith, Reggie Green and Keith Crumedy understand that if the Wildcats are going to make a run in the postseason in football, it starts with being competitive against anyone they face.

“I expect to be in the playoffs and I would like a home playoff game in the first round,” Varnado first-year coach Scott Shaffett said. “In order to do that, we have to upset some teams. I can’t predict the future but we are going to play everybody to win.

“Our season starts in Week 11. That is what I am preaching. The playoffs last five weeks and our goal is to make a run in the playoffs.”

Varnado was 5-6 last season, falling to Central Catholic of Morgan City in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs under Paul Meyerchick. The Wildcats were 2-3 in District 7-1A play and have advanced to the postseason in seven of the last eight years.

Shaffett takes over the reigns after serving as defensive coordinator at Kentwood for the past 13 years.

“There is no doubt that the transition coming in has been great,” Shaffett said. “The kids are working hard and everything is rolling over smooth. I would love to be further a long but I am very excited with what I have seen so far.”

Smith returns at defensive tackle after earning second-team all-district on the offensive line last season helping the Wildcats amass 3,300 yards and 37 touchdowns. Green will be used as a wing back after hauling in 21 receptions for 173 yards last season at wide receiver and Crumedy returns at offensive guard.

“I have got a small senior class but I tell you they have really shown leadership and I am proud of them,” Shaffett said.

The trio are a part of a senior class of seven that includes Bryan Miller, Travel Graves, Tracey Lombas and Eric Fornea.

“We got a new coach, a new start and we are ready,” Smith said. “We are hitting harder and ready to bring it. This is our last season and our last chance. We have had some great athletes come through here and we just want to continue to be tough and competitive.”

“The team is ready for anything,” Green said. “Everybody is participating and a new season is here. I am going to keep pushing myself to the limit no matter what it takes. I can’t explain what football means to me but I know it is one of the things I would love to do when I get older.”

“This is our last year and you have to go all out,” Crumedy said. “We want to keep making the playoffs and just play hard. Football means a lot to me and I try to play it all the time.”

Family means a lot to the trio and Green (Weendy Harris) and Crumedy (Janel Porter) credit their mothers as inspiration.

“My inspiration is God, my mama and myself,” Green said. “The reason I say those is because they are the only ones that have been there for me my whole life. It takes more than just words to keep me going.”

“My mama is a hard worker and has tried her best in everything to help me out throughout my whole life,” Crumedy said.

“It takes a special kind of person to play football at a high level,” Smith said. “There is just something in there burning that keeps me going. I have a passion for it and want to keep playing because it is a good disciplined sport where you learn leadership and a lot of skills.”

The Wildcats expect to a return to the postseason and hold the keys for a playoff run this season.

“I think we are going to go far in the playoffs,” Green said. “The keys to that are keeping our head up and keeping our composure.”

“The key is to play hard and go all out,” Crumedy added.

“We just have to work together as a team and play football like we know how to,” Smith said.