The Hays Highway
According to form, the onus will be on Chad Miles when the Lehman Lobos begin their second varsity season tonight.
Miles, the new Lehman quarterback, takes over an offense that not only failed to establish a passing game last season, but now its reported that leading running backs R.J. Hardaway and Chris Duran will be out with knee injuries when the Lobos play Austin Johnston tonight at Nelson Stadium (7 p.m.)
So, the season begins with a little turmoil for the Lobos, who finished 2-8 last year.
Then again, Johnston isn't one of the great Central Texas football powers. The Lobos beat Johnston in their first game ever, a 10-6 decision in last year's season opener at Bob Shelton Stadium. Johnston is 4-36 in the last four years and its head coach last season, David Garza, now is Lehman's offensive coordinator. Johnston hasn't won a game in three years.
But with the uncertainty on offense, Lehman will rely on Miles to take care of the ball so the strong side of its operation, a defense led by defensive back Jesse Primeau and defensive end Patrick Hayes, doesn’t have to wear itself out.
Returning 17 starters from last year's inaugural team, Lehman expects a much more polished outfit. The novelty of varsity football is about to wear off, the players have been in the program for four years and, after learning what it's about last season, the Lobos are that much better off as they try it again.
The schedule works out a little strangely this season for Lehman, beginning with tonight’s Thursday game in zero week. Last year, Lehman began with two home games while Hays started on the road at Boerne and Cedar Park. This time, Hays opens with two home games and Lehman takes its turn on the road against two Austin ISD schools, which are subject to Thursday games. Next Thursday, Lehman plays Travis at Burger Stadium.
Then, the Lobos face a nine-day gap before their third game, a Saturday evening tilt against San Antonio Edison at Alamo Stadium on Sept. 15. Lehman takes the following week off before coming back on Sept. 28 to begin its District 26-4A season in a homey groove. The Lobos will play five of their seven district games at Bob Shelton Stadium.
