Lehman running back Levi Medley is one of 12 returning starters the Lobos will have in their lineup during the 2011 season, which is a key reason head coach Steve Davis is confident his team can make a playoff run this fall. (Photo by Judy Cooper)
by JASON GORDON
It’s never too early to start talking football in Texas, especially when your team’s primed for its best season in school history.
Lehman High’s 2011 schedule will be challenging, but with 12 returning starters, head coach Steve Davis said he expects to contend for what might be the Lobos’ first-ever playoff appearance.
“I think we’re at a point with our program that it’s time to earn a playoff spot,” Davis said. “There’s no doubt I feel if we didn’t make the playoffs it would be a disappointing season.”
Lehman will start summer workouts along with the rest of the teams in the state on August 1.
The Lobos will have their annual blue and silver scrimmage at home on August 6.
On August 13, the Lobos will compete in a tri-scrimmage at Wimberley with Marble Falls and the Texans.
“That will be a great chance to see some different looks and get a lot of players in,” Davis said. “Wimberley has some very talented athletes year in and year out.”
The Lobos will cap their scrimmage season against Canyon Lake High at Shelton Stadium on August 18.
“If you’re contemplating putting younger kids in starting roles this gives you a good chance to see if they are ready to play at that level,” Davis said. “This is the scrimmage we want everything to come together so we’re ready for the start of the season.”
Lehman will open the season at Austin-St. Michael’s on August 26. Last year St. Michael’s, which had two Division-1 signees, beat the Lobos 35-13.
“They had some really good players last year,” Davis said. “This will be a good test to see how much we’ve improved.”
The Lobos will next play Edison at Shelton Stadium September 2. Lehman beat Edison 28-21 last season.
“Each year has been a close game in the five years we’ve played them,” Davis said.
Lehman knocked off its next opponent, Crockett, who the Lobos will play at Shelton Stadium on September 9,
32-16 last year.
“Crockett will be much tougher this year,” Davis said. “They have a lot of kids returning.”
The Lobos will play their final non-district game against Jefferson at San Antonio’s Alamo Stadium September 16.
All five of Lehman’s non-district foes were playoff teams in 2010.
“You definitely want to look sharp in your last game before district,” Davis said. “You also want to make sure everyone stays healthy.”
The Lobos will be the home team when they open the District 27-4A season against Hays on September 23.
Lehman led the Rebels 14-7 at halftime last year but could not hold on for their first win against Hays as the Rebs rallied for a 27-14 victory.
“Anytime you have two schools this close the kids and parents all know each other, and it makes for a fun rivalry in the community,” Davis said. “It will be an important game for us because you always want to start out the district season well.”
The Lobos will then play at Canyon on September 30 before hosting Smithson Valley October 7.
Lehman will have its open date October 14.
“We’ll know where we stand heading into our open date,” Davis said. “We will know what we have to do to make the playoffs.”
Lehman finishes the district season at Alamo Heights October 21, hosting Clemens October 28, and will wrap up the regular season November 4 at Lockhart.
