By Moses Leos III
After suffering through the first winless season in program history last year, the Lehman Lobos football team look for the chance to pick itself off the canvas.
Lehman High head coach Todd Raymond said a different mindset was necessary for the Lobos this offseason to “take the next step” as they prepare for play in a highly competitive 25-6A.
“We are trying to get the kids to understand there isn’t a higher level of football in the country, in their age group,” Raymond said. “We have to prepare full time, year around…to take that next step. That’s where we have to go.”
Focusing on improving physical strength was the goal for the Lobo coaching staff, Raymond said. It’s one of the main reasons why the program decided against taking part in spring workouts on the field.
Obtaining an extra scrimmage during the preseason also played a factor in the decision.
“It was focusing on just getting physically stronger for the upcoming season,” Raymond said. “In this new 6A district we’re in, it’s tough and physical. We really felt like we’re going to take the time in the spring to focus on the weight room.”
Raymond said the team is currently working to perfect its scheme on offense and defense during the athletic periods.
Understanding techniques, such as blocking assignments and footwork on the offensive line or running “crisp” wide receiver routes, could help the Lobos as they ready for summer football, Raymond said.
The players are also preparing to take part in a 7-on-7 league, which they will host over the summer.
“It’s a focus on fine tuning the mental aspect, so in August when we go out there with pads on, (the scheme) will already be taught to them,” Raymond said.
One of the primary challenges facing Lehman will be the depth and talent of its opposition.
District 25-6A play will see the Lobos go up against Westlake, Lake Travis, Vandegrift, Vista Ridge and Leander and rival Hays.
Westlake, Lake Travis, Vandegrift and Vista Ridge all reached the area round of the playoffs or beyond in 2015. Lake Travis was state runner-up in 6A last season.
“We’ve got to develop depth and numbers so we can try to match up with those guys,” Raymond said.
Aiding the Lobos next season is a roster that returns up to 15 starters from a year previous. Raymond said the team has “caught back up with numbers” when it came to senior players.
Providing assistance for the Lobos will be quarterback Jacob Zamora, running back Bryan Mendoza and wide receivers Tyler Henderson, Chastin Evans, Grayson Steineger and Cameron Whited.
Raymond also said the Lobos will return four of their five starting offensive line.
On the defensive side, returning players include Abel Longoria, Carl Ferguson and Tristan Hernandez, along with linebacker Austin Lakey and defensive back Edward Arana.
Raymond said he hopes a year playing in 6A will help “slow things down” for his returning players.
“When you play 6A ball, and you’re young and inexperienced, the world is moving fast,” Raymond said. “Hopefully things slow down for them a bit.”
But making sure his team “wins the close games” is something the team will focus on next year.
“We have to beat those people we should beat,” Raymond said.
