2017 Pigskin Preview: Moore Lions Team Breakdown – Presented by Eskridge Honda

 

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Coach: BRAD HILL

Schedule:

9-1 – at Westmoore

9-8 – at Stillwater

9-14 – vs. Norman

9-22 – vs. Southmoore

9-28 – at PC North

10-5 – vs. Union

10-13 – at Mustang

10-19 – vs. Edmond North

10-27 – at Owasso

11-3 – vs. Norman North

Quick Hits:

At 5-5, the Lions are coming off their first non-losing season since 2004.

Westmoore won its’ 16th straight game against the Lions 51-41 on September 2nd. The 41 points scored by Moore was the most in the sereis since 2000.

Moore ended a four game losing streak to Edmond North on October 20th with a 41-40 win. The Lions last defeated the Huskies in the first round of the 2001 playoffs 31-30.

Last 5 Years:
2016 – 5-5

2015 – 1-9

2014 – 0-10

2013 – 1-9

2012 – 2-8

OFFENSE

The Moore Lions are laying it on the line this season and Brad Hill’s young, dynamic players have bought into the idea. This team could surprise those who think it’s an automatic win.

The Lions’ spread offense gives players like Jace Torres (6-2, 205, Sr.) multiple opportunities to make plays. The tight end/wide receiver caught 21 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns last year.

The biggest change on the offensive side of the ball is at quarterback. Gone is the all-time leading passer and replacing him is senior Joe Balak (6-1, 210). Balak has the talent to get the job done and will have several weapons at his disposal.

One of the more explosive players on the roster is Daniel “Duece” Hishaw Jr. (5-11, 185, So.). Hishaw can play multiple positions, including quarterback, running back and wideout. Braden Slaon (6-3, 170, Sr.) had 10 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns last year and his totals this season are expected to rise.

The offensive line features Alex Wright (6-0, 260, Sr.) at center and Kawner Mouse (6-3, 265, Sr.) at tackle.

“No off weeks in 6A-I; every week you play a very good opponent,” Hill said. “The margin from top to bottom is much slimmer than people perceive. The eighth-place team in our district will be a very talented football team.”

DEFENSE

The Lions will set up in a 3-4 from as they return several key players this year. London Lester (6-1, 210, Sr.) will start at outside linebacker, where he recorded 52 tackles, 3 ½ sacks and one interception. Lester also had 12 tackles for loss.

Fellow linebacker Brandon Park (6-0, 225, Sr.) and Lester are a formidable duo.

Nyle Holder (5-10, 200, Sr.) may be the smallest defensive tackle in 6A, but he may be the most feared. A relentless pursuit of the ball from snap to whistle, Holder had 62 tackles, 8 ½ sacks and 25 tackles for loss last year. Defensive end Tanner Brouchoud (6-2, 235, Sr.) is a three-year starter and a player to keep an eye on this season. In 2016, he recorded 28 tackles with four sacks.

A pair of safeties will keep quarterbacks guessing as Dylan Buchheit (6-0, 185, Jr.) and Marcus Nickel (6-0, 180, Sr.) look to disrupt opponents’ passing game. Buchheit had 70 tackles last season, while Nickel finished with 45.

The physical brand of defense will certainly set the tone for the Lions. This season the coaching staff consists of Rod Richardson (OC/QB), Kevin Starr (WR), Lonnie Nolan (OL), Denny Woosley (RB), Jerry Broadbent (DC/OLB), Ben Irwin (DL), Tim Thomas (LB), and Daniel Kitchel (DB).