SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Lyons Lions
With a promising core of returning playmakers and an injection of new energy on defense, the Lyons Lions are aiming to take a significant step forward in 2025 under fourth-year head coach Carl Nolan.
Coming off a 2-7 season in 2024, the Lions return a strong nucleus on both sides of the ball and are hopeful their experienced upperclassmen and rising underclassmen can help spark a turnaround.
“We are hoping to build around some returning starters,” Nolan said. “While returning a handful of starters, we will be looking at our younger classes to step up and do big things for us.”
The Lions return seven starters on offense and eight on defense, including standout Xander Young, who rushed for 600 yards and 5 touchdowns on 99 carries last season. Young was also a defensive anchor, racking up 59 tackles, including 3 for loss.
Senior Hendrix Starbuck was another two-way contributor in 2024. He led the team in tackles with 67 stops (41 solo), added 4 TFLs, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown. Jace Thompson (22 tackles, 2 INTs) and Quanick Hamilton (18 catches, 285 yards, 3 TDs) also return as key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Wideout Detrell Stanley hauled in 9 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, while Josh Grissom, Tegan Link, and Joshsuan Hamilton round out a deep returning unit. Lyons also brings back 1st Team All-League kicker Cain Villasenor, giving them a valuable special teams weapon.
Offensively, Lyons plans to play fast and take what the defense gives them, operating with a flexible and opportunistic approach.
“This year we hope to be exciting and explosive on offense,” Nolan said. “We have a lot of key new pieces and have the ability to play fast. Our sophomore and junior classes are talented and have us excited about the future of the program.”
On defense, Lyons will debut a new 4-2-5 scheme, one focused on speed, physicality, and adaptability.
“A great defense must be aggressive and be able to blitz, while being completely sound in doing so,” Nolan said. “We must be able to identify every offensive set a team displays and both respect their offensive strengths while taking advantage of their weaknesses.”
The Lions aim to create a defensive identity built on discipline, energy, and rapid adjustments, with an emphasis on playing aggressive, fast, and fundamentally sound.
“Having the ability for a defense to recognize and adjust to a different style of offense on the fly is critical,” Nolan added. “A great defense is also able to have a short memory and learn from mistakes while on the fly.”
As the Lions build toward the future, they’ll lean on their veteran core while pushing their younger athletes into key roles early.
Nolan, who enters his fourth season with a 6-21 record at Lyons, is joined on staff by assistants Cody Bowers and Gabe Leavitt.
The Lions will look to set the tone early in non-district play before battling through a competitive district and North Central Activities Association league schedule.
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Beloit
Sept. 12 vs. Minneapolis
Sept. 19 at Republic County
Sept. 26 at Ellsworth
Oct. 3 vs. Southeast of Saline
Oct. 10 at Nickerson
Oct. 17 at Hillsboro
Oct. 24 vs. Halstead