The question Lone Tree Lion head football coach Chad Shield has answered the most this offseason was his thoughts on the upcoming quarterback battle. While choosing a successor to Nick Viner, the Lions’ two year starter under center, is important, Shield is more concerned about who will block for his newest signal caller. “We have four offensive linemen we have to replace as well, and no one seems to ask me about that.” Shield said, “It’s probably just the nature of football.”

The four graduated linemen include first team all-district offensive lineman Drake Dauber and Alex Yedlik, along with Matt Weiland and Thomas Tryon. The lone returning offensive lineman, all-district honorable mention Michael Schmidt, is one of four players vying to replace Viner as quarterback.

Even though the team might have to start with a clean slate up front, Shield believes Lone Tree has the athletes who are ready for the challenge, “We have a good core group of nine guys that will be able to compete for those spots.” Shield said, “Senior letter winners who are back include Trevor L Rogers, Trevor J Rogers, and Clayton Waldschmidt.”

Shields adds Schmidt and fellow junior Dawson Swails along with sophomores Casey Shalla, Wesley Hotz, and Cody Schillerstrom will also vie for a starting position along the offensive line.

As for the quarterback battle, Shield has identified seniors Caleb Christian and Caleb Feldman, juniors Trey Pearson, Jovonte Squires, and Schmidt as the four players fighting for the starting position.

Squires and Schmidt two of the Lions’ four returning starters from last season. Another notable returner is senior Jared Hudson at running back. Despite missing two of the first three games of the season, Hudson finished the season as the team’s leading rusher with 1214 rushing yards, and scored a team leading 16 rushing touchdowns. He was named a first team all-district running back for his efforts last season.

Hear more about the Lone Tree Lions’ projected offense for the 2015 football season on Jet Physical Therapy Radio Coaches Corner this morning at 9 a.m. on AM and FM KCII and KCIIRadio.com.