There are many other factors critical to building a program.

Homer says you've got to have luck, the type of luck that keeps kids healthy but also supplies your program with quality kids to begin with. Luck has definitely smiled on the program this year with weapons like Ryan Butler, Gordie Dotson and Riley Pentico.

It's also important to have good assistant coaches, which Homer doesn't doubt for a second that he definitely does have.

Other intangibles that must be present include a commitment to the weight room, the willingness to condition hard and, perhaps above all, discipline.

"One of the worst mistakes you can make when trying to build a program is by being nice. Kids want discipline, and I think that's why kids want to grow up being Marines and fireman," said Homer. "If you give them framework, they won't back down."

It might sound like Homer's a staunch disciplinarian, which he isn't. He tries to make the experience as special as possible for the kids, but does some within the framework of trying to win football games.

Lastly, Homer says, you need a few graduating classes in a row to buy into what you're teaching and pass it down the line.

He might finally have that next year. There's no doubt this year's team is the real deal with a 12-1 record. But what about next year? Homer proudly declares that his junior varsity team finished with an undefeated record.

A second straight semifinal appearance next year would be major evidence that Hurricane's program isn't a one-hit wonder.

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com