Mike Tatum is back at the helm.

The longtime Plains coach, who worked with players at both the high school and senior high level for two decades, including a stint a few years back as high school head coach, returns with what he expects will be the revival of Horsemen football after a pair of winless seasons the past two years.

“I’ve worked with most of these kids since they were in grade school,” said Tatum, who is an English teacher at the high school. “I know them pretty well and think we have a good group here.”

With only a few players missing from last year’s team, including wideout Mason Elliott, who graduated, and Liam Ciferri, who decided not to play this year, the Horsemen return a corral full of young talent that has Tatum and his fellow coaches excited about the year ahead.

“We have some good depth, quickness and size coming into this next season,” he said during a break in practice last Friday. “Our coaching staff also brings a lot of knowledge and experience both coaching and playing.”

Unlike the past two seasons, this year’s Plains team has a solid corps of seniors, Tatum said, led by receiver/linebacker Aden West. Other key seniors returning include: Brandt Snead, offensive and defensive lines; Zeph Dines, linebacker/running back; Nick Hill, RB/DB; Pepper Lulack, defensive end/offensive line; and Darren Standeford, quarterback and DB.

He said Will Tatum and a host of other players coming up from the junior high level will be key to the fight and add depth at several positions. Among those Tatum is optimistic about are Cody West, DB/RB; Greg Tatum, QB/DB; and Matthew Thurston, RB/DB.

“Everyone on the team has come in with a great attitude and willingness to gel to become successful.”

Tatum acknowledged putting the past behind them will also be a test for this year’s team.

“The overall excitement of the culture and the development of a new offensive scheme,” Tatum said when asked what he would like to improve on as he heads into his 22nd year of coaching in the Plains Schools system.

Tatum listed Charlo and Mission as “probably” the top teams they will face, while also acknowledging Superior will also be a tough opponent this season.

The Horsemen will open their season this Friday evening at home against Mission, which won the conference title last year. They then travel to Superior the following week for a game against the Bobcats.