The Lions only put up 7 to the Dragons’ 42 in the season opener at Bangs but Dublin brought some Defensive gains from last season that head coach/ athletic director Greg Hardcastle is pushing to capitalize on in coming weeks.
“As a whole, our defense showed growth,” Hardcastle said. “Getting three turn-overs, three fumbles and an interception. Last year, we struggled to get those. We just need to work on trying to convert when we get those opportunities.”
Joe Salinas led the Lions in tackles with 17 (nine of them solo). Kyler Gaitan had 11, six of them solo while Cayson Loving had 11 with four solo. Jaiden Gauna had 10 tackles (three solo) and Westin Rollins had six tackles (five solo).
Loving and Jax Johnson also each sacked the Bangs QB while Joslin and Salinas each had a pass defensed.
Gaitan also energizes his teammates and the visitors stands with a well-timed interception.
Hudsen Joslin led in receiving with 4 catches and 57 yards, carrying in a TD for Dublin. Gauna led in rushing with 56 yards.
Hardcastle admits that one of Dublin’s biggest fights Friday night was in the penalties received so he’s working on the Lions being more disciplined in their playing when they hit the home field Friday, Sept. 4 against the Santo Wildcats.
He also said the Pride gave up a few plays in the first half they shouldn’t have. Even so, the Lions kept positive, supported each other and stayed in the fight through the fourth quarter. Hardcastle noted that scoring in the second half was only 13 for Bangs and 7 for Dublin.
The Dragons employed a three-down front formation they hadn’t been using much in their scrimmages. It gave the Lions some experience against the formation but each opponent is likely to bring something different to the field. Santo is expected to bring an option attack and flexbone defense when they hit Cervetto Field Friday at 7 p.m. The Lions are preparing strategies for them and growing from the lesson learned last week and in the preseason.