Sept. 28 vs. Athens Academy

Winners of three straight to close the 2011 season, the Lions hope to build on that momentum start the new season 3-0.

Doing so would put them in position to make a statement against the Spartans at Jock Horner Field. With a win, Lakeview Academy could certainly send a signal to the rest of Region 8-A that they are legitimate, even though the program is still playing a nonregion schedule.

The last time these two played, the Lions kept it respectable, losing 28-7 in 2009.

Home games in CAPS | *denotes region games

Location: Gainesville Coach: Matthew Gruhn; 10-23 at school, 10-23 overall
Region: 8-A (non-region schedule)
Last region title: None
Last playoff appearance: None
Returning starters: 9 on offense, 10 on defense
Offensive strategy: Triple Option; “We certainly like the triple option based on the fact that we don’t have to block everybody. We don’t have to have big, stud linemen or anything like that. We feel like it’s a neutralizer that gives teams a chance to compete against bigger teams. Plus, we love it. It’s an unselfish offense. And it’s kind of what we pride ourselves on.”
Defensive strategy: 4-4: It’s the thing that best fits our personnel. We kind of adjust it every year based on the people we have coming back and their strengths. It’s more personnel than scheme.”