Photo By Clayton Bunt - #33 Ty Hambly
Written by Hailey Stewart
Coming off a 2-5 record last season, the Eagles look to bring more strength to the field with some new faces this season.
Lewis County lost several important players to graduate last year, including Connor Morris, a lockdown defensive back, and Brendan Nelson, who accumulated over 3,200 career rushing yards, Oskar Grobey, a three-year starter, and David Boswell, a leader up front for the Eagles.
“We have 10 starting positions open to fill from last year, so we have our work cut out for us,” Moddrell said.
With four new freshmen players and roughly 11 players total, the Eagles have some important spots to fill.
“We are going to need some younger guys to come in and make an impact right away,” Moddrell said.
On the offense, Moddrell said the Eagles always strive to secure the ball and allow zero turnovers. And this season, Moddrell will need all eight players to execute, “especially on big-play opportunities.”
In the past, Moddrell said, the Eagles had showcased a more run-heavy game plan but are looking to bring more balance to the offense this season.
“We no longer have a bruiser in the backfield with Nelson, so we will be looking to complement our air attack with a little more speed and misdirection,” Moddrell said.
Junior quarterback Ty Hambly was put into his current role rather abruptly last year when the original Eagle quarterback transferred schools just before the season began.
“Ty did a great job embracing the challenge and has improved immensely in the offseason,” Moddrell said.
Dalton Davis, Moddrell said, also has the potential to have a great senior season at tailback if he can stay healthy.
On the defense, a “strong and quick line is at the core of Lewis County’s philosophy.” With six new defensive starters this season, the Eagles will work hard to be aggressive up front and put the pressure on the offensive backfield.
Moddrell said he expects big things from senior linebacker Dalton Davis and junior linebacker Ty Hambly due to their quickness and ability to track ball carriers. He also sees senior defensive lineman DJ Antone and defensive lineman AJ Douglas to spend most of their time in the opponent’s backfield.
Of all this season’s games, Moddrell said he is most excited for the Timberline-Weippe matchup.
“They are returning a bunch of players with legitimate athleticism who have been in Coach Christopherson’s system for three years now,” Moddrell said. “I expect them to be a much-improved team from last year.”
Lewis County opens varsity competition against Lakeside Sept. 5.
Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules throughout the season.