When the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots step out on the field for their first-round playoff game against Marengo Friday night, they will do so with a senior class of eight players that are looking to end their high school careers with back-to-back state championships.

One of those players is quarterback Trey Walters.

Walters was both the starting quarterback and safety for last year’s AISA Class AAA championship squad, and has served in that same role this season for the Patriots.

“Last year was really incredible,” Walters said. “Last year was really a great experience. The scout team pushed us in practice, and helped us get better. We just have to do the same thing this year.”

Having that championship experience of a year ago is not only something Walters treasures, but also feels is an asset heading into this year’s AISA playoffs.

“The experience will help us a lot,” Walters said. “Pretty much all of our guys that were out there last year are back, including a lot of starters. So, just experience-wise, having been out there before and knowing how it feels will help us tremendously.”

For Walters and his fellow seniors, the chance to go out with two straight state titles is something they are all understandably excited about.

“Another championship would be amazing,” Walters said. “Last year, we came out on top, but with me as a senior, it means a lot more to me to just try and get out there and do it again.”

However, standing in the way of PLAS and that second straight championship are the Marengo Longhorns.

“Marengo’s a pretty physical bunch of guys,” Walters said. “They’re the same type of team we are in that they like to run and run, and then try to burn you deep with the pass.”

But even before the Patriots can take on the Longhorns, they must first go through the preparations necessary to have success Friday night, something Walters said the team is embracing and looking forward to.

“We’re all pumped. We’re just ready to get out here this week and work,” Walters said.

No matter the end result of the Patriots’ playoff run, the senior class is sure to give their full effort, and perhaps even more.

“We’ve all made a pact to give it everything we got,” Walters said. We just want to go all out and do everything we can to be state champions again.”