Red Lion

By Matt Goul

GameTimePA.com

On offense, Kenny Holloway lines up in the backfield. Change sides and, all of a sudden, he’s in the trenches with the defensive linemen.

Some opponents looked at it as an oddity last season.

“It’s like a mind game for the offensive linemen,” Lions tackle Greg Thibault said. “He’s so fast, they can’t block him.”

This year, Lions coach Jesse Shay said he doesn’t think Holloway will have to pull that much double duty. Depth helps, and it could turn Red Lion into a contender after a 4-6 record last year.

Offense

Quarterback >> A three-way battle entered August camp with juniors Dalton Grove (6 feet, 160 pounds) and Chris Carr (6-0, 160), plus sophomore Sam Emig. Two-year starter Blake Cahill’s graduation opened the vacancy.

“I’d like to have a clear winner by the end of the first week of camp,” Shay said. “I think, as a team, we need that to happen. Just waiting for someone to step up and take it.”

Running back >> Seniors Holloway (5-7, 205) and Adrian Jackson (6-0, 190) provide a one-two punch and are supplemented by fullback Dan Waldrup (5-7, 190), also a senior.

Receivers >> The Lions have potential for a run-first offense, which is amplified by the loss of their top four receivers. Shay said his coaches estimated they lost 89 percent of last season’s offense. New targets include Kendrick Gillespie-Boyd (5-11, 170, jr.), Cole Snyder (5-9, 135, jr.), Christian Castle (6-2, 170, sr.), who’s coming back from a broken arm suffered during the first JV game last year.

Offensive line >> With Sam Lowe (5-10, 225) at center, Thibault (6-3, 285) at guard and sophomore Nick Argento (6-2, 265) at left tackle, the Lions have three returning starters. Sophomore Stephen Tierney and junior Nick Mankin (6-1, 190) are among potential full-time newcomers to join them.

Defense

Defensive line >> All four starters return, including Lowe and Patrick Stafford (5-10, 180, jr.) on the ends.

“I feel really good about our defensive line this year,” said Lowe, last year’s leading tackler and sack artist.

Holloway and Thibault return on the interior with Argento, but Shay added, “I’m not sure I’m wild about my tailback taking a lot of defensive snaps.”

Linebackers >> Five players could potentially rotate in three spots, including Jackson, Raquan Mitchell (5-11, 170, jr.), Waldrup, Stone Hill (6-0, 185, jr.) and Joe Dashler (6-0, 185, sr.).

Secondary >> Both corners return in Nate Orji (5-11, 165, sr.) and Derek Ross (5-7, 150, sr.), plus safeties Gillespie-Boyd and Alex Keough (5-11, 165, sr.).

Special teams

Senior Quincy Palmer (5-11, 165) will again return kicks and punts. Nate Olsen (6-1, 185) can handle kicks, but the Lions will audition for a new punter. Cahill handled those.

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Save the date >> Dallastown comes to Red Lion Week 10 for their backyard rivalry on Halloween night.

Bottom line >> Shay said, as a defensive-minded coach, this year’s team fits his ideal attributes. The run game is proven with Holloway behind an experienced line. The defense is deep and talented.

“This has the potential to be much more of a team I want us to be,” Shay said. “I sat down last year and said, ‘I’m an I (formation) guy, I’m a defense-first guy. What happened? We’re running spread, running our quarterback and giving up a lot of points.’

“If I could put my identity on a team completely, this has got the potential to be that team.”