Red Lion looks to build off last year's success
The Lions will be looking to pick up where they left off at the end of last season. After going 3-3 through their first six games, Red Lion won their next four and made an appearance in the postseason.
They will try to repeat that second-half success this time around with a different cast of starters on the offensive side of the ball. The Lions will have a veteran presence on their offensive line, but the new starters at quarterback, running back and wide receivers have gone through an adjustment process.
“It’s kind of tough when you don’t bring anyone back in those positions,” head coach Jesse Shay said. “They’ve been working hard all summer and they’ve been gelling.”
Offense
Quarterback: Sam Emig will come in and take over the starting job. Emig threw for 248 yards and a touchdown as the backup last season.
Running backs: The Lions will try to replicate their success on the ground, but they’ll have to do so without Alex Keough’s 942 rushing yards. Dylan Gurreri will be tapped to fill the void.
Receivers: Taylor Uberti and Paul Jones will see increased workloads. The two senior receivers are shifting from other roles last season, when Uberti was the Lions No. 3 receiver and Jones was a punt and kick returner.
Offensive line: Red Lion will return all of their starters from last season on the offensive line, much to the delight of the players they’ll be protecting.
“It’s really great because I know we can run, pass and do everything with those guys up front,” Sam Emig said.
Defense
Defensive line: GameTimePA's Defensive Player of the Year Nick Argento returns to the line. Joining him is Stephen Tierney, Dakota Cleary, and Ben Frey.
Linebackers: Pat Daugherty is the lone starter returning at linebacker. Daugherty had 86 tackles and four sacks in his junior season.
Secondary: Shay will have to replace all four starters in his secondary unity. Giuliano Favorito will be an option to step in at cornerback this season.
Special teams
Emig will return to kick, but he could have help with Elijah Workinger and Brycen Smith as options as well.
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Save the date
The Lions' Sept. 30 meeting with Northeastern will serve as the team’s first big test and will show where they stand at the halfway point of the season.
Bottom line
It will be up to a young offense to try to continue the success from last year. That won’t be an easy task in the same division as Dallastown and Northeastern.
In the huddle
Head coach: Jesse Shay (17-15 in three seasons)
Assistant coaches: Tom Bell, Bryan Bortner, Chad Donagher, Brett Fishel, Jd Granger (DC), Taylor Green (OC), Ron Johnson, Kyle Masser, Eric Updegrove.
Class: 6A, YAIAA Division I
Enrollment: 1,539 total (637 male)
Offense: Multiple set
Defense: 4-3
2016 schedule
Sept. 2 — Waynesboro at Red Lion, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 — Red Lion at Daniel Boone, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 — Chambersburg at Red Lion, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 — Red Lion at William Penn, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 — Northeastern at Red Lion, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 — Red Lion at South Western, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14* — New Oxford at Red Lion, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 — Red Lion at Central York, 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 — Red Lion at Spring Grove, 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 — Dallastown at Red Lion, 7 p.m.
* homecoming
2015 results
W // @ Hershey // 40-20
L // Manheim Township // 15-22
W // @ West York // 35-14
W // William Penn // 70-6
L // @ Northeastern // 13-14
L // South Western // 14-31
W // @ New Oxford // 61-21
W // Central York // 42-7
W // Spring Grove // 28-14
W // @ Dallastown // 26-0
District 3 Class AAAA
First round// L // Cumberland Valley // 21-48