Heading into a new season, head coach Eric Hamilton enforces the principles, "Concentration, competition, and practice" to his team.
The Lions lost several seniors that were crucial for leadership and chemistry.
Returning this season is the dynamic backfield of senior running back Cory Schoonover and junior fullback Dan Dornacker.
Recovering from an injury that cost him most of last season, Schoonover looks to bounce back and prove that he is fully healed. Captain Ryan Ross, last year's team leading receiver, looks to surpass those numbers and provide the offensive with leadership.
"We have a lot of young kids here," Hamilton said. "We really like the group of newcomers."
Sophomore quarterback and wide receiver Kevin Veillard and freshman cornerback Ryan Flannery look to add some youth to the mix.
Last season, the Lions had problems with turning the ball over. Mixing the offense should keep defenses at bay and result in less turnovers.
"To be successful, you have to be as close to fifty-fifty as you can," Hamilton said. "Your best defense is your best offense."
The mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen on the team will have its benefits, but also its question marks.
"You don't know how we're going to perform under pressure in big games," Hamilton said. "We're concerned how we'll do under fire."
The Lions hope to improve on last year's 3-7 season and win the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and capture a playoff berth.
"We're as talented as we've been in a while," Hamilton said. "I hope and believe that as the season goes on we work together."
