Lions gain confidence, momentum after scrimmages

By Alonzo Garza

POST-REGISTER

The Varsity Lions took on the Luling Eagles at Lion Stadium during their second scrimmage of the 2011 season on Friday, Aug. 19.

The team exhibited greater confidence and discipline and was much more focused on their task. They played well against Luling as well as Cuero a week before proving that any team willing to put

in the hard work required can over come any obstacles.

With Paul Kilby as new head coach, Lockhart has turned the page and is moving on past the 1-9 record last season. This year promises to be an exciting one for the Lions – considering Kilby’s winning record in Mathis – but it will not be easy.

The Lions face tough competition this year.

For starters, they will be facing two outstanding teams in Smithson Valley and Alamo Heights. The Rangers ended their season with a 10-2 record last year while the Mules finished at 9-3. According to the Austin American-Statesman’s Texas high school football 2011 preseason poll, the Associated Press ranks Smithson Valley seventh in the Class 4A division. This year should be no different for the Rangers.

The Austin Travis Rebels will be the Lions’ first challenge. They finished with a 7-4 record last year while La Grange and Bellville did not do as well. The Leopards finished with a 4-6 record and the Brahmas finished at 2-8.

La Grange will be the Lions first home game this Friday, Aug. 26. The contest will be followed by a second home game the following week against Bellville.

The Lions will travel to Austin’s Burger Stadium to take on the Travis Rebels in their first away game. Other teams that may prove to be a tough challenge for the Lions this season include Hays, Dripping Springs and New Braunfels Canyon.

Lockhart’s only “W” last year ended the season with an impressive 28-14 win over the Lobos. Nothing is impossible, especially on the gridiron where anything can happen on any given Friday night.

See you at the game

agarza@post-register.com