PLEASANT HILL, Iowa — After championships in 2021, 2022 and 2023, Southeast Polk isn't getting complacent in 2024.
"We try and talk to our players about complacency and how that can erode a culture and a football team by being entitled and thinking it just happens because you put that helmet on," said Southeast Polk football head coach Brad Zelenovich.
If the Rams want to complete the rare four-peat, they will have a lot of work to do. Of the 80-plus players on the 2023 roster, 47 of them were seniors.
"We've had big senior classes before, and have kind of found ways to develop," Zelenovich said. "And I think that's the nine month plan. (You've) got nine months to develop players for your three month, four month season. And so, you know, we try and develop our players as good as anybody in the state."
Southeast Polk is aware of the challenge.
"You can't think, 'oh, well, we've won three in a row,'" said senior receiver Sam Zeleonovich. "I mean, this team hasn't done anything as far as winning, so we just got to attack each day like we've got something to prove."
The Rams open the season on Aug. 30 against the Valley Tigers at home.