Lisbon football reached new heights this year

LISBON -- This fall will go down as one of the most memorable ever in Lisbon football history.

The Lions made their first trip to the state semifinals and parlayed that into their first state football title in school history.

Lisbon dominated its opponents during the regular season with a stifling defense and a strong rushing attack behind a big physical line and then rose to the challenge at the UNI-Dome. The performances earned Lisbon's Kent Allison The Gazette/KCRG Coach of the Year honors, as selected by a panel of sports staff.

Lisbon went 14-0 beating West Hancock, 14-12, in the Class A Championship game. The Lions averaged a little more than 45.1 points a game, ranking third in total offense in Class A with 4,995 total yards and fourth with 3,911 rushing yards. Their defense was even more impressive, allowing just 6.5 points per game and shutting out six opponents.

Allison, the Lions head coach the last 13 seasons, respectfully declined the award. After the state finals in November, he displayed humility while immediately passing any praise on to his players.

“It's a great feeling. This is the pinnacle,” Allison said during a mandatory press conference after the championship game. “Every coach should have a group of kids like this. They came together with a goal, and they reached it."

The comment and unselfishness could be an indication of what drives him as a coach. According to Lisbon athletics director, Jim Schultz, Allison is dedicated to his players and not interested in personal recognition.

"It's all about the kids," Schultz said. "He is not about anything he has done as an individual."

Quarterback/safety Ben Knake was a leader on both sides of the ball, throwing for 1,084 yards and 12 touchdowns. He added 583 on the ground, supporting leading rusher Tait Simpson, who tallied 1,220 rushing yards and 24 TDs. Trevor Moore ran for 608 yards for the Lions. Each had more than 50 tackles apiece on a stout defense led by Tyler Smith and Preston Russell. The two anchors on the defensive and offensive lines powered Lisbon with 98 and 88 tackles, respectively. Junior Hunter Caspers added 87 stops.

Schultz said the fall has been one of the more successful seasons in school history, noting cross country runners' contributions at state and volleyball having its best season ever. The football championship is a highlight, and he has seen the influence transferred to the current sports teams.

"It meant a lot," Schultz said about the football title. "This is a tribute to the coaching staff and our kids. We have some real dedicated kids and it's carried into the winter sports."

Allison, a Springville native and University of Northern Iowa graduate, took over at Lisbon at the beginning of the 1999 season after serving as Boyer Valley head coach for three years. He has guided the Lions to a 109-28 record in that time, improving to 123-40 in 16 total seasons. Allison owns an 11-9 mark in the postseason.

The Lions have roared during Allison's tenure, qualifying for the playoffs 10 times including the last eight straight years. Lisbon made the playoffs just twice before Allison took over, advancing to the state quarterfinals in 1987 and 1995. The Lions have reached the state quarterfinals five times the last 13 seasons, finally getting over the hump this season.

"I think he's been a tremendous asset to the program," Schultz said. "He's very dedicated. Not just Kent, his whole coaching staff. They put in lots and lots of hours."

The impact from Allison and his staff that includes Matt Haddy, Darin Hofmeister, Nick Boots, Brandon Siggins and Tyronne Malone may last the rest of the year. They have already made a lasting impression on the football program and the players, who now share the memory of providing Lisbon with its first state football crown.

"I have a lot of respect for what he does," Schultz said of Allison. "As far as an athletic director, he's been a great coach to have to work with."