The “Eureka!” moment in Aurora’s run to last season’s Class B state championship didn’t involve a bright flash of realization. In fact, the night in question was pretty dark.

It was the third game of the season, Sept. 12, and the Huskies looked like anything but future champions when they were handled by perennial Class B powerhouse McCook 42-7.

But out of the ashes of that loss came a few new ideas and an attitude change, Aurora coach Randy Huebert said. Those changes had Aurora playing on a new level when the Huskies upset McCook 37-33 during the playoff semifinals.

“Up before then, we always approached McCook as something different,” Huebert said. “You make too much of it. That was a mistake by our coaching staff.”

The Huskies have a solid nucleus returning. Huebert said Aurora will have five starters back on offense and six on defense from last season’s 12-1 team, including Josh Bart, who earned all-state honors as a wide receiver and safety last season. Bart said he’ll likely also serve as the backup quarterback.

“He is a tremendous competitor,” Huebert said. “On offense he’s really electric. He can do some things once he gets the ball. And defensively he’s got that savvy that can really help you make plays.”

Following the regular-season loss to McCook, Huebert changed up the offense to include more shotgun formations and spread looks to open running lanes. He said the Huskies would stick with that offense this year, with junior Tyson Broekemeier likely lining up under center. Nate Suck (pronounced “Sook”), who started late in the season alongside graduated all-state running back Jerry Lobeda, figures to be the feature back.

While Aurora loses Lobeda and quarterback Tyler McDonald, the blow should be softened by three returning starters along the offensive line, including Nebraska recruit Andrew Rodriguez and Jamie Bergmark at tackle, and Garrett Johns at center.

“We’re going to run a lot of option this year,” Bart said. “Having those guys should really give Tyson a lot of confidence.”

Huebert and Bart said Aurora’s off-season weight training program drew near-record attendance, with players who met attendance standards receiving a T-shirt proclaiming them a “Survivor.”

The defending champs, who will play at McCook on Sept. 11, have held on to last season’s lessons.

“We’ve got pretty high expectations at Aurora, and our kids are going to be committed to our summer strength and conditioning program,” Huebert said. “Every year it’s the seniors’ responsibility or opportunity to step up and be the leaders for the upcoming year. Those guys have done a great job this summer.

“From a coach’s perspective, it’s pretty much back to business. It’s a new season with new goals and new seniors.”

Contact the writer: 444-1201, sports@owh.com

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