The more things change, the more they stay the same.

That seems to sum up the passing game at Moniteau the past two seasons.

The Warriors' aerial attack has had two quarterbacks - Clay Kohlmeyer last season; his brother Garth this year - but one constant has been receiver Eric Hilliard.

"Clay was a straight drop-back passer and Garth likes to roll out," said Moniteau coach Steve Wilson. "We try to adjust the routes for Eric."

Hilliard agrees.

"Garth's more of a throw-on-the-run if he has to, so I have to judge my routes differently where with Clay, he was a pocket passer."

Either way, Hilliard, a 6-foot, 155-pound senior, has enjoyed both styles. Last year, the warriors qualified for the District 9 Class AA playoffs and are trying to do so again this year.

Under Clay last year, Steve Saul, Moniteau's leading rusher, was also the leading receiver with 26 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns.

Hilliard, as a junior, caught 18 for 448 yards (24.9 yards per catch), but led the team with eight scoring passes.

This year under Garth, Hilliard has 18 catches for 358 yards (19.9 ypc) and five touchdowns to lead the team in both categories.

"This year, we're looking for Eric to run shorter routes," said Wilson. "He's been more aggressive and going after it.

"Fifty percent of his routes have been across the middle and deep in the middle of the field with slots, posts and digs," Wilson added.

Last year, Clay Kohlmeyer completed 74 of 145 passes for 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Through seven games, Garth has completed 43 of 99 for 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.

His top three targets are Hilliard, Ryan Protzman (9-154, three TD) and Greg Kepple (9-97). Kepple caught 10 passes last season.

"Eric realizes that we have to spread it out a little bit," said Wilson. "He's a great kid and he's a lot more aggressive. He certainly doesn't mind going across the middle.

"It's nice that Garth's been able to work with him," Wilson added.

"Eric's gotten a little faster and is going after the ball a little bit more this year," said Garth. "He's catching a lot more passes this year.

"I have been trying to spread it around a little more so they don't try and double team Eric all the time. It's been working pretty good so far," he added.

As one of the top wideouts in the league, Hilliard never seems to have an easy evening.

"A lot of times you see a team's best corner on him and a safety right there," said Wilson. "It's a sign of respect."

Kohlmeyer, a 5-11, 180-pound junior, has shown signs of improvement as well, despite a recent skid in losses to Karns City and Redbank Valley.

"We knew he could do it," said Hilliard. "We didn't think he'd do it after he broke his ankle in baseball season.

"We're also a lot deeper this year. Greg has been stepping up and Ryan has been a key receiver with Garth all year. They have good chemistry," Hilliard added.

Said Wilson, "We expected more first-year mistakes for Garth, but he stays cool in there.

"He threw an interception (against Redbank last Friday), but he didn't let it bother him. He's really developed into a great leader."