Lower Moreland Football: 2013 Overview

     Ever since the last play of the 2012 season, every Lions football player has been looking forward to this year. The team has 15 returning seniors, and almost all of them have varsity experience. The Lions have been through thick and thin together, going 0-10 in 2011, and having a bounce back season last year, going 6-4 and winning a district title. Lower Moreland is now ready to win, and win big.

     One week into training camp and there is already buzz about this year's expectations. Joseph Leventhal, who has been starting since freshman year, said this about the team's expectations, "If we stay healthy we have a chance to win the BAL and go to playoffs with a winning record". After being all over the field at linebacker, defensive tackle, and fullback, Leventhal will now take the responsibilities as the team's quarterback. Leventhal has been working out this offseason with returning senior receivers Tyler Hunn and Dylan Kanter, building on the chemistry the three already have. Kanter had a breakout season last year after not playing his sophomore year, and was asked what he did to improve on his game this offseason, "I focused on getting faster and having quicker footwork. I also worked on getting stronger to help my team as much as possible". On the other hand, Hunn missed last year with a shoulder injury, but proved himself his sophomore year when he led the team in multiple receiving categories. 

     In the Lions backfield, Senior Ryan Killion looks to carry a heavy load of the carries. Killion has been getting offensive touches since his sophomore year and played some special teams his freshman year. When asked about this season, Kiilion said, "I expect us to be competitive every single game...We have tons of seniors that have many years of experience and we are ready to show the league that the Lions are ready to return to the top". Along with Killion, Juniors Sean Burke and John Chung look to fill in the Lions Wishbone offense and help in the run and pass game. 

     Lower Moreland's offensive line will be made up of all seniors, and all with varsity experience. Anthony Morales, Matthew Doyle, Tyler McCaffrey, David Chung, and Steven Mooney make up the line and are all big boys. Opposing defenses are going to have a hard time stopping the Lions with those 5 blocking up front.

     Defense was a strong point for the Lions last year, and having only lost 4 graduates on that side of the ball, the defense only looks to get stronger. Leventhal and Killion look to secure the inside line backer positions and John Chung (Jr.) and Hunn will be at the outside linebacker positions. With a stacked linebacker core made up of Chung, Leventhal, Hunn, and Killion, opposing teams should have a hard time doing anything against the Lions this season. Also, Morales, has been varsity at the defensive end position since his sophomore year, and looks to be a dangerous combo with Kanter on the other side. Along with senior David Chung at defensive tackle and a quick secondary which features Burke (Jr.), Jack Titus (Sr.), and Peter Ebert (Sr.), the team looks to shut down opposing offenses. 

     With a team made up of such talent, the Lions should be able to put together a nice run this season, and after a district title last year, the sky is the limit for Lower Moreland. Show your support this Saturday, 10AM, at ANC for the annual BAL scrimmage. The 2013 season looks promising for the Lions so far, but there is still work to be done.