Mason Hess figured this year would be different for him and his teammates.

The Catasauqua junior knew his team would have a different outlook with plenty of freshmen and sophomores sprinkled into the lineup.

It would also have a different twist for him as he made the move to linebacker form his defensive and offensive line post.

With the season now over, his year has followed the script. An elder statesman on the team, Hess has watched his younger teammates mature as he strive to keep a positive approach despite the team’s overall record.

“Our coaches keep pushing to get better,” said Hess. “We have been pushing each other to get better.

“There was a lot of arguments going on because we got frustrated with the first couple of losses. But our coaches put an end to it before the Notre Dame game.”

Hess began playing organized football in flags and has been a lineman throughout his career.

But head coach Mike McClarin approached him with the idea of playing a linebacker, and it soon became a good fit.

“He (McClarin) thought we didn’t have the right personnel at the position,” said Hess. “It was frustrating at first because it was a new position to learn. I really liked playing on the line because I could rush the passer, but I grew to like being a linebacker.

“I learned and adapted to pass coverages and also have been calling some signals. It has been a lot of fun, and it really didn’t take me a lot of time to get used to it.”

McClarin and his father, Jake, both have been guiding forces along the way. Recent graduate and former quarterback Andrew Martinez also has played a big role.

“Coach McClarin has had a big impact on me,” said Hess. “He has helped me develop the past two years.

“My dad has always been there for me in every sport that I have played. He has sowed me the way. Andrew Martinez reached out to me, and he has been like a brother.”

McClarin has respected Hess’s abilities and contributions.

“He is just a great kid,” said McClarin about Hess. “We have moved him around on defense, and he is always willing to learn more.

“He is a natural leader and continues to work hard every day.”

Hess is anxious to get back on the basketball court, as he anticipates a solid year ahead.

“We have a big group of juniors, and we all have played with each other since our CYA days,” said Hess. “We had a good summer and there is a good chemistry.

“I think it will be an exciting year.”

Hess would like to have a career in sports, and he recently decided to follow the route toward becoming an athletic trainer.

“I would like to be around sports every day, and I have watched with our trainers do,” he said. “I think something like that would work well for me.”

It will be another different path filled with more adjustments that Hess likely will make.