Lone Tree, coming off a 6-4 season a year ago, opens the season tonight at home against North Mahaska. Last season the Lions were a winner over North Mahaska, 35-19.

Lions coach Chad Shields says he was sure happy the game was only four quarters long after his team jumped out to an early 35-0 lead, before watching North Mahaska chip away at that lead.

Shields says it’s sure to be an emotional game for North Mahaska following the loss of three students in a traffic crash a few weeks ago.

The Lone Tree coach says his team needs to win the field position battle and avoid the silly penalties, if they want to win the game. North Mahaska finished last year with a 3-6 mark.