With the Herndon football team’s first practice of the season nearing an end, rising senior Dominic Blanding, a varsity newcomer, lined up in the right slot and took off down the field. Rising junior quarterback Adam Kucik, a first-year varsity starter, spotted the open receiver and lofted a deep pass.

Blanding had made his way behind the defense, but had to slow down as the pass was underthrown. Blanding made the catch, regardless, and headed toward the end zone.

The Hornets have to replace two offensive standouts ­­­ quarterback Ryan McLaughlin and running back Lamik Bumbrey ­­­ from a 2014 team that nearly made the playoffs. But second-year head coach Jeremiah Davis is optimistic Herndon has the athletes to take the next step.

“We were right there last year,” Davis said of Herndon’s 4-6 finish. “We know what it’s like to be right there ­­­ win a game and you’re in [the playoffs]. Now we’ve got to get over that hump.”

Herndon hasn’t made the playoffs since 2008.

Davis said one of his biggest challenges during his first season as head coach was getting Herndon students interested in football. This year, he wants to get the community more involved.

“Last year was really about winning the school,” Davis said. “We did some things ­­­ put up some posters, involving kids, going class to class, just winning over the school, getting them football friendly. This year is about winning the community. ... People don’t want to support losers.”

Blanding, while light on football experience, could play a major role as the Hornets try to build a winner. His first season of organized football was last year as a member of the Herndon JV team. This year, he’s confident he can make a significant impact, setting a goal of scoring 15 touchdowns.

“I’m just very excited for the season,” Blanding said. “Even though it’s my first [varsity] year, I still think I’m one of the best players in this state.”

Davis said Blanding can play multiple positions.

“He has reached nowhere near his ceiling,” Davis said. “Hopefully he shows that he’s a good player this year and hopefully he has a career after high school.”

“He’s one of the receivers,” Kucik said, “that you know if something goes wrong, you can try to find him.”

Kucik saw playing time a sophomore. This year, he takes over as the starter at quarterback.

“He’s well-versed in the system,” Davis said. “... He can distribute [the ball].”

Rising senior running back Ronald DeCastro and rising senior receiver Keshawn Hamlin will also be offensive weapons for Herndon. Rising junior Cole Cooksey is a returning starter on the offensive line.

Rising senior safety Bruce Collins is a defensive standout. Rising senior Conor McLaughlin is an experienced cornerback.

Herndon opens the season on the road against Fairfax on Thursday, Sept. 3. The Hornets’ first home game is Sept. 18 against Falls Church. Herndon will travel to face rival South Lakes on Oct. 9.

“I feel like we’re moving along program-wise,” Davis said.