A while ago, simply making the playoffs would have been a shining achievement for Aberdeen football.

But those times have passed — the program has established itself better than that.

The Tigers are regrouping after last season's first-round playoff exit — the earliest Aberdeen was bounced from the playoffs since losing in the first round in 2013.

Seventh-year head coach Jeff Duffin said it was a lack of physicality that cost the Tigers last season. The team could outrun its opponents, but got outworked in the trenches.

That's changing this season, Duffin said. What the team lost in speed, it makes up for with improved strength.

“I think we're going to be a way more physical team this year,” Duffin said. “Weight-room averages have substantially increased. With our size and the work the kids put in the weight room, we're optimistic that we're going to be a much more physical football team.”

It starts up front, where the Tigers return four senior starters at tight end and on the offensive line. Carson Wynn and Clay Ingersoll are back at right guard and center, respectively, and they're joined by Jack Behrend, who moves to tackle this year after playing tight end last season. Rhett Schritter is also back at tight end, giving Aberdeen a formidable foundation to pave the way for its double-wing offense.

“We're big up front,” Duffin said. “I think they're going to be as good as we've had as far as size, strength, basic fundamental understanding of what we're doing.”

The Tigers' beef on the front-line translates to defense, as well. Aberdeen's best teams over the years have had stifling defenses.

That unit has to replace two-way lineman Spencer Watson, who earned first-team all-conference and all-state honors last season on offense and defense. He signed to play football for Weber State University once he returns from a two-year church mission.

As for the lost speed: the Tigers will have new names leading their rushing attack in 2019. All-conference and All-Area running back Hulizes Ortiz graduated, and quarterback Matthew Klassen — last year's 2A District 5 Offensive Player of the Year — is playing football for the College of Idaho.

Ortiz and Klassen combined to rush for 2,267 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2018.

“We don't have the top-end speed that we had out of Matthew and Huli last year,” Duffin said.

Senior Alex Cerna takes the reins at quarterback this season, though Duffin said he'll share reps with junior Liev Mack. Seniors Jesus Guillen, Payton Foster and Angel Lemos will handle the bulk of the carries in the backfield.

Duffin said it's too early to tell just how good this year's team will be. But the forecast hasn't wavered — the Tigers plan to compete for a state championship.

“We're pretty senior-heavy on both sides of the ball, and then we've got a really good supporting cast behind them with the junior class,” Duffin said. “Our expectations are pretty high again this year.”