Harold Wilson

While teams look to stack up W's during non-district, John Tyler will be eyeing another letter -- 'I' for improvement.

With the Lions facing four of five teams who beat them last year in non-district -- all of whom return arguably stronger -- JT figures to take its lumps.

JT lost its entire offense basically, with the exception of senior running back Romonte' Hampton, who averaged less than three carries per game, and receiver Devan Dewberry, who caught just one ball all season. The offensive line comprises a very inexperienced bunch, with four of the projected starters straight off the junior varsity.

Defensively, JT appears stronger, though starters need to be replaced on three line positions and at two more in the secondary.

A year ago, JT faced a similar dilemma, when only one starter returned on defense. That group allowed 27 points or more to every non-district opponent, then turned it around in district where they allowed less than 180 yards per game.

In the end, extending their season remains the main aim of the Lions.

"Our focus is getting better for district. As far as the way the preseason goes, I wouldn't want it any other way to get our kids prepared," said JT first-year head coach Dereck Rush. "If we can get through the preseason healthy, I think we'll be OK. We'll take it one game at a time and build off that."

Harold Wilson covers sports for the Tyler Paper.
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