ORANGE — The Community Christian Lions look to roll into the playoffs once again as they welcome back several key players from last year’s playoff unit.

Coach Johnny Robinson will see five starters return on each side of the ball as the Lions will look to improve from their 4-6 2015 mark in which they went 2-1 in TAPPS Six-Man District 8-II.

Five starters return to the mix that will look to ignite the Lions’ I formation set.

Freshman Grayson Stacey will be the youngster at quarterback to guide the Lions.  Joining Stacey in the backfield will be senior running back Patrick Riley and junior fullback Nate Willete.  Sophomore running back Trenton Cummings will look to get plenty of touches as well.  Senior Nathan Rose will head up the receivers.  The offense line will be led by the likes of junior center Macy Leblanc and junior guard Brendan Sylestine.

Five starters also return to help spearhead the defensive side of the ball. Rose, who was a First Team All-State pick in 2015, will lead the 2-3-1 defense from his safety position. Rose notched 80 tackles and six interceptions last season. Juniors Cade De La Rosa and Joshua Wilson will lead the way in the defensive trenches.  Riley, who had 85 tackles and six sacks last year, and Cummings will power the linebacker spots along with freshman Kelby Domingue.  Willete and Stacey will team up with Rose in the Lion secondary.

 

The Lions will be busy with six non-district games, including the season opener at home against Spring Providence Aug. 27. The Lions will start District 8 play Oct. 7 when they welcome in Baytown Christian.