MONONGAHELA – Robert Heller begins his first season as head coach of the high school football team at his alma mater, Ringgold, this fall.

For the first seven months of his job, however, Heller felt more like a college assistant coach, as he spent much of his time recruiting players. Not athletes from other schools — that would be against PIAA rules — but kids from all parts of the Ringgold school district. Anywhere you could find a player who could help turn the fortunes of Ringgold football around.

Heller’s theory was that many of Ringgold’s best athletes had no intention of playing football or had left the program.

The record shows that Ringgold has lost 25 games in a row. So Heller has a lot of work ahead of him. That’s why he has been trying hard to recruit new players.

“I’ve been everywhere. I’ve gone to their homes, I’ve taken kids out of class to talk to them, I’ve gone to basketball games, wrestling matches, baseball games, track meets,” he said. “Ringgold hasn’t won a game in two years. Yes, we were bad. But my main goal was to trust me. At least give me a chance. When the kids see what I’m like, they’ll realize this year is different.”

Heller’s in-school recruiting and enthusiastic approach are paying off. The Rams reported more than 40 players to preseason practice after a successful 7-on-7 season over the summer.

“The question I’m asked most often,” says Heller, “is: How are things going? My answer is: Ringgold has a pulse.”

The heartbeat is strong right now, Heller says, because the Rams have learned to compete and win. They have played in six 7-on-7 tournaments this summer and won four of them.

“We were so active in 7-on-7 – and I know that’s not real football – but the kids learned not to give up,” Heller said. “When they fell behind early, they fought to come back. They learned to have grit. … I would compare our offseason to any other in the WPIAL.”

Those who have helped Ringgold rejuvenate include some first-year players and others who returned after leaving the program. Others played in the wrong positions, according to Heller.

Junior quarterback Amoni Ward (5-8, 170) was a defensive end last year. Keyshawn Goggins is a 6-2, 215-pound senior running back who did not play last year. Sophomore wide receiver Demetri Lowe is a 6-2 wide receiver and cornerback who was a standout on offense in 7-on-7 games. “It was unfair at times the way he would go up and get every ball. That’s how good he was,” Heller said.

Senior Szyair Dungee, who plays multiple offensive positions, reminds Heller of a former star player from the Mon Valley area.

“He reminds me of Devin Whitlock when he was at Belle Vernon,” he said. “That little boy is awesome.”

Ringgold has some experience on offense and defense, such as junior Austin Pehowic and sophomore Grant Nicklow. The Rams like the potential of some young players, such as sophomore Owen Conroy and freshmen Silas Miller, Nick Stasko and Cole Konek.

“We have a lot of young kids who didn’t play. We also have a lot of older kids who didn’t play last year and will play,” Heller said. “We’ll probably use three ninth-graders, but they’re ready.”

Ringgold opens the season on Friday against South Allegheny, which is coming off a 1-9 season.

“I think the WPIAL did us a favor,” Heller said. “If you look at our schedule, four of the first five games are against Class 3A or 2A teams. On paper, our goal is to go into the Trinity game, our first conference game, 5-0.

“We started from the bottom. … We taught them to be proud of themselves, which I think was missing in Ringgold. Our goal is to give the kids some hope.”