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BELFAST – No matter how flashy an offense may be, if there’s no blocking up front, chances are you’re not going to gain many yards.
The Belfast Lions shouldn’t face that problem this season, at least coach Butch Richards hopes not.
“It all starts up front and hopefully that will be a strength for us,” said Richards, entering his eighth season with the program.
Richards is entering his first season without former co-coach Butch Arthers, who resigned earlier this year.
The Lions, who reached the Pine Tree Conference quarterfinals last fall, should be bolstered by an experienced crew of offensive linemen.
“From tackle to tackle we have four kids who have been starting since sophomore year,” Richards said.
“I hope that their experience helps us in a lot of ways, and obviously for a strong running game that’s where it starts.”
Anchoring the offensive front will be senior guards Mark Smith and Travis Spencer, along with tackles and classmates Jimmy Davis and Jason Vogel.
Their objective on the offensive side will be to clear running lanes for junior tailback Willy Fogg, senior wingback Brandon Drinkwater and senior fullback Zach Marston.
“We’ve always been more of a running team than a passing team. Misdirection and play-action and a lot of counter-trapping has been a big part of our offense and that will continue,” Richards explained.
The 2007 Lions had a disappointing season by their standards – a 3-5 regular-season record and first-round playoff exit – and the upperclassmen are out to make sure that won’t happen again.
“I think they were disappointed in the season last year even though we made the playoffs,” Richards said. “I think last year we didn’t take care of things, we weren’t as successful in the regular season …. I’m sure the kids are thinking of that.
While Fogg and Drinkwater will see a considerable amount of time in the backfield, Marston will look to get into a role as a lead blocker.
At least two of those backs will be on the field at the same time in Belfast’s set.
“We do a lot of different things but most of our base offense is with two running backs,” said Richards.
Defensively, the Lions will try to mix things up and try to not look too predictable.
“You have to adapt to what the opponent is using offensively. We’ll mix it up a little bit,” said Richards.
Defensive tackles Davis and Vogel will anchor the defensive front, with Spencer, Smith and Fogg heading up the linebacking corps and Drinkwater leading a young secondary.
That corps could lead the Lions to a finish they’re traditionally accustomed to in the brutal PTC Class B ranks.
“I think as always the league is very, very balanced, PTC ‘B’ is a great football league,” said Richards. “There’s a lot of teams that could emerge, there are strong programs that have always been good football schools.”
BELFAST LIONS
2007 results: 3-6, lost in PTC Class B quarterfinals
Head Coach: Butch Richards, 8th year
Key Players: Travis Spencer, G-LB, Sr.; Mark Smith, G-LB, Sr.; Jimmy Davis, OT-DT, Sr.; Jason Vogel, OT-DT, Sr.; Zach Marston, LB-FB, Sr.; Willy Fogg, TB-LB, Jr.; Brandon Drinkwater, WB-DB, Sr.
Outlook: The Lions will be aiming for a deeper postseason run after a first-round exit last fall. The experienced line should have an impact this year, with Fogg and Drinkwater looking to have solid seasons out of the backfield. Look for Belfast to mix it up on both sides of the ball.
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