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By Tim Morse

PELHAM — Malik Mango remembers walking out of the stadium at Macon County High School last November after a tough first-round loss in the state football playoffs.

It was Pelham’s first postseason appearance since 2009, and Mango said the Hornets could get used to making the playoffs. While it was a loss, it helped the program take a giant step toward future goals.

“We can’t be satisfied,” Mango said. “We have to keep pushing and taking things farther.”

In coach Dondrial Pinkins’ first season in 2015, the Hornets defeated Berrien in a thriller in the final game of the regular season to earn a trip to the Class AA state playoffs. Pelham now wants a return trip.

Last year’s success fueled a drive during the offseason during which Pinkins said the team worked harder and has been particularly focused during preseason workouts.

“The foundation was laid last year,” Pinkins said. ‘We have to continue to build on it.”

Six starters return on offense, while three are back on defense. Skill players shouldn’t be a problem as fullbacks Javoris Williams and Kobe Russell return, while sophomore Treun Pace is back at slotback.

Wide receiver Cassius Allen returns, and there is experience on the offensive front with the return of seniors Austin Blanchard and Jalen Sheppard at center and guard, respectively.

The biggest question mark, however, is at quarterback, where the Hornets will be looking for a replacement for Jimmy Fackler, whose leadership played a major role in helping Pelham reach the postseason.

“Jimmy is going to be hard to replace with all the intangibles and athletic ability he brought,” Pinkins said.

Fackler’s replacement appears to be 6-foot-3 freshman Kendrick Patterson. While Pinkins won’t throw the entire playbook at the youngster early, he’s grateful for his experienced skill players.

“Early on, we’re going to put the ball in Cassius Allen’s hands and Kobe Russell’s hands, let (Patterson) get some confidence,” Pinkins said. “Then as that confidence grows, we’ll open up.”

The defense is young but talented. Junior defensive end Cameron Jones, Mango (linebacker) and Russell (cornerback) give the Hornets a solid nucleus to build around.

After spending the past several years playing in Class AA, the Hornets will be dropping to Class A. But Pinkins knows Pelham has work to do.

“Class AA has proven to be one of the toughest regions in the state,” he said. “A lot of times when you drop down a class, the target is on your back and people are gunning for you. We can’t underestimate anybody.”

Allen said a wave of positive momentum has swept the school. And he hopes it helps make the Hornets a postseason contender again.

“We’re not just looking to get back to the first round of the playoffs,” he said. “We’re hungry. We don’t want to just stop at the first round. We want to keep going.”

Which is something Mango and the Hornets could get used to.