After going 8-3 last year, Leo football has a positive outlook going into the season once again. They are receiving votes in the Class 4A Coaches Poll. The Lions bring back leading rusher Nathan Foster who rushed for over 1300 yards last year. Foster did suffer an injury in last year’s regular season finale. But by all accounts, he’s healthy again and continues to progress. Leo does have some competition at quarterback.
Right now, Titus Stoller, a dual-threat QB and former starting JV quarterback, is the front-runner. But Luke Marquardt, whose QB experience goes beyond high school, is also pushing for the starting job. The Lions also have quality receivers to throw the football to.
Luke Tackwell (6’2) and Kellan Hulburt (5’9) are the two most experienced receivers. They each averaged 14.5 yards per catch last year. The defense graduates a lot of key athletes, most notably Brock Schott, whose now a tight end for the Miami Hurricans. But the Lions do bring back quality defensive linemen such as Isaiah Coolman and Hayden Roberts.
Leo also returns linebacker Bret Sauder. Last year, Sauder was the Lions’ leading tackler (65, 5 TFL) and came up with three interceptions. That was his sophomore year.
Leo opens the regular season against Bishop Luers, the #1 ranked team in the Class 3A Coaches Poll. At this point, that game is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
