a state football title in 2020 and has played for a state football title three other times (2008, 2009, 2024).


Helias turned to another former player when Phil Pitts became the head coach after Chris Hentges stepped down after the 2010 football season. Pitts would coach the Crusaders from 2011 through 2014. Over that time, Helias would go 40-15 (72.7%) and would play in two state title games (2012, 2013).


#7 Ben Lanigan,


 Linebacker


#32 Eli Homan,  State Linebacker


The Hentges name is intertwined throughout the blue and gold fabric of Helias football. Ray Hentges’ son, Chris, was a ball boy for Helias when he was young. He would later play football for the Cru- saders and was an All-State and All-American running back in 1983. That year, Chris set the school record for rushing yards in a season (1,606 yards). Over 40 years later, that school record still stands. Ray’s other son, Mike, played football for his dad and was an All- State player and All-American wide receiver for the Crusaders in 1991.  Rockers (quarterback), Hale Hentges (tight end/defensive end) and Sam Wyrick (quarterback) also played football for Helias. Hale Hentg- es was a three-time All-State player and an All-American in 2014. When Helias opens its 70th season of football on August 29th, you will probably see Coach Ray Hentges and a number of the Hentges family at the game watching the Crusaders. 


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Helias’ second state title under Hentges came in his last game as head coach. In St. Louis, Helias beat Ozark 37-12. Son Chris was on  tor Phil Pitts was an All-State player on defense that year. Helias returned to the state title game the following year under


 1999 through 2005, and Helias football teams would win at least 10 games in three of those years.


Two players who played for Ray Hentges would return to be the head coach at their alma mater. Son Chris would be the head coach from 2006 until 2010. He would then return as the head coach in  year as head coach, Helias has won 117 games (117-30, 79.6%), won


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