BLOOMINGTON - Bobby Moews had not seen Kyle Hundman and Ryan Waldron perform under the heat of competition. Still, the Central Catholic High School football coach was fairly certain neither would wilt.

"They both played a little last year, but not extensively or even at the position they're playing now," Moews said. "I had confidence in them early because they're both upperclassmen."

Moews' faith has been rewarded with stellar performances by Hundman, a first-year starter at quarterback, and Waldron, a first-year starter at tailback.

Both have played key roles in the Saints' 7-0 start entering today's 7 p.m. Corn Belt Conference showdown with Prairie Central at Bill Hundman Memorial Field.

Kyle Hundman, who served as the backup for standout Saints' quarterback Matt Pelton last season, has completed 47 of 96 passes for 882 yards and eight touchdowns.

"It's been good this year to be in control. I've been waiting three years to do this," Hundman said. "It's been good watching Matt. Matt was a great example for me. I tried to learn as much as I could until I got my chance."

A 5-foot-11 senior, Hundman said following the often spectacular play of Pelton has been a bit difficult.

"Yeah, there's a little bit of pressure there. Matt had such a good year last year that expectations are high," he said. "I'm my own quarterback. You just try to do the best you can and that's what I've done."

Just as Moews suspected, Hundman has improved with time on the job.

"I had all the faith in the world he would step in and do a good job," said the Saints' coach. "I knew he knew our offense. It was just a matter of getting him game experience. Kyle rarely makes a mistake. He makes great decisions. He's gotten better and better each week."

"Every game you can tell a little bit of improvement," agreed Hundman. "I get more and more comfortable. I've had a good enough team that I can learn and develop."

In 2005, the Saints featured a balanced rushing attack with Andrew King gaining 554 yards, Pelton 443 and Zach Harroun 368.

Emerging immediately as the primary ballcarrier, Waldon has rushed for 1,009 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.

"I watched and learned my first year on this team," the 6-foot, 190-pound junior said of last season. "I didn't expect this. I just wanted to play to the best of my ability. The line has done a great job."

According to Moews, Waldron would have gotten more carries last season if not for a foot injury.

"He's explosive, he's got speed, he's got size, everything you want. You tell kids to do this and you want kids to do that, but it's up to them when they've got the ball," Moews said. "He's learning when he makes his read one way, turn it on. If you make the wrong read, lower your shoulder and get what you can. But he hasn't made too many wrong reads lately."

Hundman also starts at free safety, while Waldon plays outside linebacker.

Even on defense, the two have found a way to be offensive. Waldron has returned two interceptions for touchdowns, while Hundman has done it once.