As the minutes and seconds on the scoreboard slowly melted away, Western football was experiencing pure euphoria. The Hilltoppers were beating McNeese State 38-14 in the I-AA National Championship game in Chattanooga, Tenn. With several minutes left, it was defensive coordinator David Elson who was given the ceremonial Gatorade shower, not head coach Jack Harbaugh.

Running the ball and defense: these are the staples of Western football. While the running game is unproven, the Hilltopper defense is loaded with talent and experience. David Elson’s defense dominated some of Division I-AA’s top offenses during the playoff run last year, but Elson has moved up from defensive cordinator.

The weekend before finals week is typically reserved for last minute cramming and quiet rest. The warm Saturday afternoon of May 3 was supposed to be a relaxing day for Trey McMiller. A fishing trip in Corbin was the perfect way to alleviate the impending stress that accompanies finals week.

For the second year in a row, Western coaches are promising to pass the ball more. And with new quarterback, Justin Haddix, being a better thrower than runner, it may actually come true this time. “We’re looking to expand the offensive attack,” said senior wide receiver Shannon Hayes.

Running the ball was the bread and butter of the Western offense during the Jack Harbaugh era. Now, with David Elson at the Hilltopper helm, the running game looks to be as strong as ever. Elson tabbed senior Chris Miller as the starting halfback with fellow senior Maurice Bradley leading the way at fullback.

For the first time in three years, Western will have a new place kicker. Many fans felt comfortable the last three years because Peter Martinez was almost automatic when lining up the goal posts. Now they may be squirming. Martinez, who scored 103 points and missed just two tries over 40 yards last season will be hard to replace.