The Dublin Lions are suiting up to host Fort Worth Christian tonight (Aug. 24) at 7 p.m. for their first game on DHS’ Bob & Norma Cervetto Field.
“We ought to match up pretty well,” said DHS Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Greg Hardcastle.
The Lions leader reported that the visiting Fort Worth Christian Cardinals will look very different to Dublin fans who went to last year’s game in North Richland Hills.
“They have had several players change schools,” Hardcastle said. “They have a new quarterback… Their offensive line, guards and center are not nearly as big as last year.”
With the smaller offense, the Cardinals often opt to throw the ball— about 80 percent of the time by Hardcastle’s estimates.
Hardcastle says the visitors have some strengths offering the Lions a challenge and a chance to practice against passing strategies.
“This game gives us an opportunity to get better for district,” he said. “Non-district is kind of a measuring stick. We just want to improve as we head to the district schedule.”
The Lions had a chance to sharpen these skills on Thursday, Aug. 17 as they stood against a sizable Bulldog opposition on Clyde’s Field.
The scrimmages got off to an ominous starts as fans and athletes had to wait through lightning delays until the JV could take the field with the varsity following after 45 minutes of JV play.
“They had the size advantage,” Hardcastle said, adding that the offensive lines on both sides performed well.
Clyde also boasted some experience with several three-year starters, including the quarterback.
“We had a couple of guys get banged up at the beginning,” he said.
Among these injuries was quarterback Kaden Gaitan who is expected to return to the field for next week’s game against Albany.
Ayden Vargas is stepping in for him while he’s on the recovery list. The impromptu switches offered the Lions a chance to see how several players perform in different roles, and Hardcastle was proud of the way they stepped up.
“With a scrimmage, we’re trying to evaluate our players and see how they fit,” Hardcastle said. The Lions shared the field with a strong opponent Thursday and coaches got see the strength of their players as well as adaptability.
Following this week’s home game, The Lions will travel to Albany on Sept. 1 for an away game at 7 p.m.