By Cooper Chadwick
After a rough year in 2024, the Lions have been locked in this summer and are ready to put their best foot forward.
“This team has been firing on all cylinders this summer. We have some guys from last year that we have to replace but overall with the players’ hard work all summer and the new additions to the coaching staff we are looking to have our best season yet,” head coach Carl Nolan said.
The Lions look to bring back a couple high quality players for the 2025 season. Sophomore running back and linebacker Xander Young returns after leading the team in rushing and ranking among the top tacklers. He rushed for 600 yards and five touchdowns on 99 carries while adding 59 total tackles, including 29 solo stops and three tackles for loss.
Senior Hendrix Starbuck anchors the defense after recording a team-high 67 tackles, 41 solo stops, four tackles for loss, and three INTs—one returned for a TD.
Junior defensive back Jace Thompson added 22 tackles and two interceptions, while wide receivers Quanick Hamilton and Detrell Stanley combined for 27 catches, 370 yards, and four TDs.
Nolan has high expectations this year for his team even in the face of diversity.
“This year we will face some adversity we will have a young group up front on the offensive line and we run into the defendant 2A State Champions in Southeast of Saline. We open the season with a solid Beloit team who made a run in the state playoffs. Coaching or playing a sport you will always face adversity not just because of your opponents. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t roll your way. It’s not so much will there be adversity as how you will face it. Will you give up, will you give in or will you keep fighting. It’s all a choice that we have to make, we just have to keep fighting,” Nolan said.
