By Richard Long

The budding program is in its' fourth year of existence, and the Lions will play a full varsity schedule for the first time in 2005.

OFFENSE: Senior quarterback Paul Mitchell returns to run the teams multiple I-formation offense after rupturing his spleen early last season. "He throws a nice tight spiral," coach Dom Bonvetti said. "Paul understands our system and he can read defenses."

The running game will be anchored by fullback Mark Manna and tailback Josh Kirk. "Manna is the ultimate team leader," Bonvetti said. "And Kirk is the type of runner that wiggles for five yards when you think he has nothing," T.J. Quintana will also see time in the backfield, while the receiver spots will be filled by Chris Monsell and Aaron Alexander. "Chris and Aaron are our most gifted natural athletes and we'll be looking for them to put pressure on the perimeter of the defense," Bonvetti said.

The leaders on the line will be Rob Willis, Dave "Curly" Curlett, Steve "Shockey" Chopko, impressive freshman Aaron Beaston, and Brendan Penhollow and Otis Ray. Beaston is young, but could be a stud with All-State potential down the road.

DEFENSE: Most of the lineman will have to go both ways in the team's 4-3 set, so stamina will obviously be an issue.

Manna, Monsell and Sean McDermott will see time at linebacker, while Kirk and Alexander are slated to start in the secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Monsell provides a strong leg at punter and can "really tag the ball," according to Bonvetti, but the Lions desperately need to improve on kick coverage and find a reliable kicker.

OUTLOOK: The school only has about 25 football players in grades nine through twelve, so most of the starters will have to play both ways. "Our slogan is 'laying the foundation'," Bonvetti said. "We're still a growing program and we have a great coaching staff, but we don't have a football field on campus. Right now we're focusing on teaching the X's and O's of the game and doing the things we need to do as coaches."