The Skinny
Coach Deante’ Lamar enters is second season as head coach of the M.L. King Lions. The Lions made post season appearances in 11 straight seasons but have not reached the playoffs in the last four seasons. Coach Lamar told us about one of his staffs biggest challenges coming into this season.
“The biggest challenge for the upcoming season has to be our depth,” he said.
While that seems to be a recurring theme throughout several programs, the Lions do have some pieces to build around on both sides of the ball. The Lions return starting quarterback Jacobi Haynes (662 yards, 7 TDs) and leading running back Marcellious Lockett (490 yards, 6TDs) for the 2018 season.
Antonio Smith will lead the Lions on the offensive line. As a junior last season, Smith was an All Region First-Team selection.
Defensively, Trezmon Johnson, (defensive back), and Jaden Wilkins, (linebacker), will pace the Lions.
While all of the region games are important to the Lions, the most significant might just be the rivalry game against the Stephenson Jaguars on September 28th. (The Jaguars lead the series 8-4).
Not only should this be a competitive game on the field, but it will also feature two of the best bands in DeKalb County. (I can certainly attest to this as I’ve been in attendance at a couple of these matchups at Hallford Stadium.)
We asked coach Lamar how his team will define success this season.
“Success will be defined by continuous improvement throughout the season and finishing in the top 4 of our Region,” he said.
