This week the Lions suffered their second loss of the season at the hands of the 43rd-ranked University Titans. This marks the Lion’s second loss in as many years to the Titans who just seem to have the Lions number. The Lions lost the game in devastating fashion, To a game-sealing touchdown on a 4th and 7. The final touchdown reminded fans all too much of the Lions’ fateful loss to the Bishop Moore Hornets in week one.
Although the Lions lost their six game winning streak to University, captain Joey Gioa still feels like the Lions have momentum heading into their final two weeks.
“Losing those games the way we did is just more motivation…I think we’re still set up really well for a playoff run,” said senior Gioa
The Lion’s offense got off to a hot start in the first half scoring all 20 of their points within the first two quarters including a 45-yard touchdown run from Chance Nixon. Nixon totaled 169 total yards on the night and two total touchdowns on just 16 touches. Now that Nixon has established himself as a star within the Central Florida area, many fans within the Lion faithful are asking what’s next for the Senior.
“After my performance this season I’m hoping to catch some looks from schools and pick up a couple of offers,” said senior Nixon.
While the Lion’s offense continued to put together explosive plays, the Lion’s defense continued to give them up. Since week one opponents have taken advantage of the defenses incompetence and at this point, no one knows who’s at fault.
The defense doesn’t lack talent, Brady Manning and Joey Gioa have been well-established stars within Seminole County since their sophomore year, and defensive linemen Anthony White and Messiah Montgomery have had breakout individual seasons yet the defense remains inept. If a defense is talented and giving full effort-which anyone at the games can see they are- then there’s only one reason the defense still struggles, coaching.
The Lion’s defense took a noticeable dip in form after the 2022 season when defensive coordinator Matthew Litt left the team for a head coaching job in Colorado. Under Litt, the Lions defense gave up 15 points a game and were considered the strength of the team. Since 2022, the Lion’s defense has given 22 points per game and while to the naked eye, 7 points may seem like a very inconsequential amount, but when you look at the biggest games against the best opponents, the defense can’t buy a stop.
The coaching issues were put on display during University’s final touchdown, as University’s star 6’5″ receiver Barret Schultz was left in single coverage with the Lion’s smallest corner in the back of the endzone on an obvious throw-it-up play. A stop would have given the very explosive Lion offense a chance to run a two-minute drill to possibly win the game, instead, the Lions were sent home packing.
The defense was still filled with stellar individual performances from players, including safety Brady Manning who led the team in tackles with nine and tackles for loss with three as well as linebacker Samari Chisolm who had three tackles for loss as well. Even with the playoffs on the line next week at Evans, Brady Manning remains confident in his team.
“We’re gonna have a great week of practice going into Evans and were gonna we’re gonna put together a complete performance and get a win,” said senior Manning.
Next week the Lions face off against Evan’s in a district matchup that will decide whether the Lions go to the playoffs.
