Today, not tomorrow. It’s a simple and powerful idea that’s become the theme for the Liberty football team this season.

Perhaps a helpful addition would also be, “not yesterday,” because for the first time in three years, this Patriots team has a different face.

Quarterback Trey Wheeler, running back Chandler Jenkins and wide receiver Jake Bainton all graduated after leading the team to the playoffs multiple times and even the 3A state title game.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking Liberty is starting from scratch.

“It’s a different group,” said Liberty coach Steve Valach. “We had some high-profile guys graduate, so this is a group of guys that hasn’t seen a lot of Friday nights. But they’ve put in the work, the sweat equity.”

The team’s new look starts at quarterback, where Jordan West takes over. The 6-foot-4 senior hasn’t seen a lot of playing time, but Valach is confident in his ability. He’s also happy to have such a capable replacement after three years of Wheeler starting.

“I feel absolutely blessed to have him as our quarterback,” Valach said. “He works very hard and he’s a very very good quarterback. He just hasn’t had a lot of Friday nights. But he’s ready.”

Hamilton Noel will step into the lead running-back role. Noel is athletic (he went to the state meet in track and field and wrestling) and experienced. He made the All-KingCo 3A/2A team as a linebacker last season.

“He’s a stud, he’s just a warrior,” Valach said.

Noel also had a number of big touchdowns last year. His second-quarter, 36-yard rumble put the Patriots up 14-0 on rival Bellevue.

After working with a fairly new line last year, Liberty welcomes back several standout lineman. Tackle Anthony Olobia made the first team all-KingCo 3A/2A team last year. Jalen Robinson and Kevin Ahrens also return from all-league mentions.

“I like our line,” Valach said. “If you’re good up front, generally you’re good all around.”

Liberty also has athletic playmakers. Senior Josh Gordon pulled down a number of big catches last season. He also won the 3A state long-jump title earlier this spring. He’ll be joined by Tynan Gilmore and Shane Small as the top receiving options.

Gordon, Noel, Gilmore Scott Dean and Sam Dodt will man the defensive backfield. Small, Sean Komendat, Alex Batali and Noel Brandon will form the core of the linebacker group. Olobia, Robinson and Ahrens will also have an impact on the defensive line.

Another thing that will be very different for Liberty this year is expectations.

“That definitely helps our chances,” Jordan West said. “People think ‘Liberty lost the big three, they’re not going to do much this year’ and we want to come out and surprise them because obviously there isn’t much expected. But we’ve got weapons and we’re going to use them.”

For Valach, it’s an exciting time to see which players are ready to step up and accept the challenge.

“That’s the great thing about high school football is there’s always a new crop,” he said. “There’s always young guys who get their chance to shine. I think that’s the most exciting piece of it.”

The Patriots open with a tough assignment, facing Skyline Sept. 2. Liberty then takes on Issaquah Sept. 9 before getting to the KingCo 3A/2A schedule against Sammamish Sept. 16.