The Lone Tree football team went 6-4 last year under their new coaches, and bring back a lot of returning players to the team this year.
The offense is stacked with key returning players, including Nick Viner at quarterback, who went 55-98 last year for 700 yards and eight touchdowns. In the running back position, they bring back their 1,026 yard rusher in Jared Hudson, who also scored 13 touchdowns on the season. The receiving core is where they lose the most. They do bring back Matt Wieland, the leading receiver with 219 yards on 11 catches and two touchdowns, but lost No. 2 and 3.
Defensively, the Lions bring back the top guys, with Alex Yedlik returning as the leading tackler with 79 last year, and Wieland back with 66 tackles. Out of the top 10 tacklers on last years team, the Lions bring back five, with four of those in the top half. The secondary will be anchored by Ty Schillerstrom and his three picks last year.
Lone Tree hits the road to start the season at North Mahaska, before coming home against Belle Plaine. They travel to Van Buren, host Cardinal and WMU, travel to WACO, host Pekin, go to Danville, and host New London for the final game of the season.