Lisbon taking workmanlike approach to 2015

Entering his 20th season as head coach, Lisbon's Kent Allison believes success will hinge on whether or not his team can buy into taking a 'blue collar” approach to the season.

'I want a team that just comes to practice, works hard and gives us everything they have - a blue collar approach,” said Allison. 'I think this group will respond to that challenge.”

Coming off a 7-4 (6-1 in district play) season in 2014 that ended in a second-round playoff loss to Pekin, this year's Lions will need some new players to step up, especially at skill positions.

Some of Lisbon's key losses from last year include quarterback Brock Givens, leading rusher Benton Frey and dynamic wide receiver Ryan Light.

Despite losing some key pieces, Allison believes his team possess the personnel to compete in a competitive district.

'We will have some good athletes and decent strength on the line,” Allison said. 'There's a good mixture of experience and youth. We have really good competition at quite a few spots, so that has made for an interesting camp.”

Defensively, the Lions expect to have depth on the line and the secondary, with a young core at linebacker.

The Lions will rely on the leadership of this year's senior class. One player who will play an intricate role on both sides of the ball is senior wide receiver and defensive back Hunter Robinson.

'We have a lot of leadership on the team this season, and the younger players have respect for the upperclassmen,” Robinson said. 'It makes for great team chemistry.”

Much of Lisbon's fortune this year also rests on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Jake Jennett.

'Jake worked hard to get stronger in the weight room this off-season,” Robinson said. 'He has great instincts and is well respected. We rally behind him.”

One key game to watch this season will be a Week 5 matchup with Maquoketa Valley on Sept. 25. Another will be the regular-season finale against North-Linn on Oct. 23.

'Maquoketa Valley returns a nice unit of players and have had some really good success lately,” Allison said. 'North-Linn has almost everyone back and should be ready to challenge for a top spot. I think any team in the district can beat another on a given night. It should be very competitive.”

Lisbon will open the season Friday at West Branch.

LISBON, at a glance

Coach: Kent Allison (20th year; 148-49 in 16 years at Lisbon)

Last year: 7-4, lost in second round of Class A playoffs

Returning letterwinners: OL/DL Thad Hudson, OL/DL Justin Clarke, WR/DB Hunter Robinson, RB/DB Tanner Allen, RB/DB Jack Butteris, OL/DL Ryley Scott, RB/LB Willis Benyshek, RB/LB Austin Krob, TE/LB Tyson Williams

Key losses: QB Brock Givens, RB Benton Frey, WR Ryan Light, T.DE Keegan Trittle, T/DT Dylan Clarke

Key to making playoffs: Finding some offensive linemen and gaining experience in the kicking game.

Games to watch: The opener at West Branch always is an interesting matchup, but district games at Maquoketa Valley (Sept. 25) and North-Linn (Oct. 23) could have playoff implications.

Schedule (*district game)

Aug. 28 - at West Branch

Sept. 4 - North Cedar

Sept. 11 - *at Easton Valley

Sept. 18 - *East Buchanan

Sept. 25 - *at Maquoketa Valley

Oct. 2 - *Starmont

Oct. 9 - *at Postville

Oct. 16 - *Edgewood-Colesburg

Oct. 23 - *at North-Linn