By Shane Shackleford

Contributing Sports Writer

In the hit movie “A Perfect Storm,” the stars were a fishing boat crew that encountered a once-in-a-lifetime storm with all the attributes that would lead to the crew’s downfall.

While this may be a stronger-than-necessary analogy for a high school football season, the Pineville Mountain Lions experienced several issues that led to a tough 2-9 campaign last fall.

The Lions were a squad who were hit with key injuries, a schedule that saw several squads enjoy record-setting seasons in victories and a roster full of players who played in their first varsity season in many cases.

However, according to Pineville coach Allen Harris, the 2024 season comes with hope and the expectations that the Lions will be much improved.

“Last season was full of ups and downs — more downs than ups. We were a very young squad with only about four players with varsity experience, and to add fuel to the fire we had several season-ending injuries that plagued our team. We found a way to compete at a high level through the ups and downs. We learned from it, we became more experienced, and we have grown a lot.

“We’ve become bigger, faster and stronger since last year. I pray we stay injury-free and continue to grow and learn as a team. These kids are hungry to win and have put the work in during the off-season. We are looking forward to putting this product on the field this year and seeing where it leads us,” said Harris.

Much of that hope comes from the return of star running back Landon Robbins. The junior back led the team with 779 rushing yards, 669 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

“Landon Robbins is one of the toughest kids I have ever coached. Last season, he dealt with several injuries that would have sidelined most kids for the season. He fought through the injuries and gave us everything he had every week. He definitely is a difference maker on and off the field and we will look to him for leadership once again this season, Harris said.

Robbins will be joined in the backfield by his brother, Kaiden Robbins, who according to Harris is “a phenomenal athlete who will contribute a lot to our offense and defense this year. We also look to him for leadership and guidance. He will be a difference-maker for us,’

“Senior Nas Wilson, sophomore Landen Abner and juniors Braxton Washington and Dustin Jones will also lead us down the field. All these men play key roles in the success of our offense this season,” said Harris. The new Lion signal caller for 2024 is junior Zakary Brown. While this is his first season behind center, Brown has shown he is improving daily in practice.

“Zak is a big-time player with big-time potential. He is starting to settle into his role as quarterback and is coming along well. We are very excited about what dynamics he brings to our offense.”

The Lions receiving corps is young but talented.

“Several players are vying for playing time, including sophomore Riley Monhollen, who is doing a great job for us. He has had a great off-season and has progressed well during the summer. Seniors Kaiden Robbins and Nas Wilson will get playing time in those areas when they are not in the backfield. Both have great speed and tremendous catching and route-running ability. Sophomore Gabriel Kells and junior Ethan Jackson will also cover those areas.”

“Senior Dylan Abner will play tight end for us this year and has progressed well in the off-season. We look forward to him changing the playing field for us there. We can’t forget sophomore Tyler Amburgey and freshman Chase Hendrickson, who are also continuing to improve daily and will see some playing time,” according to Harris.

The Pineville offensive line should be much improved, led by junior Ben Matthews. Matthews had a big off-season with great performances at several college camps and will be counted on to set the tone on the line for the Lions.

“Ben is a coach’s dream for a lineman. He is big, strong, has great feet, smart and coachable. He will be turning heads in the high school football world this year and next,” Harris said.

“Our offense line was a huge focus for us in the off-season making these kids better up front, and I am proud to say they have all answered the bell. Jaxon Helton, Tristen Johnson, Sean Pursifull, Tyler Borzeck, Kaden Taylor and new transfer Hayden Lawson will all see a lot of playing time up front. They have all worked so hard to get bigger, faster and stronger and I am confident that they will have a year to remember, and their names will be printed in the headlines this year. Other kids who have also put a ton of work in and will be key in these roles are senior Landon Barlow, junior

Lucas Green, sophomore Marcus Yates and senior Evan Coley,” according to Harris.

Harris also noted that the Pineville defense should be much improved.

“I will be the first to tell you one of our biggest battles last season was on the defensive side of the ball. Our youth and several injuries impacted that tremendously, but we are excited about the way our kids have transitioned themselves in the off-season and put in the hard work this summer. Our goal is to be one of the top-ranked defenses in 1A football this season,” he said.

Up front, the Lions will have juniors Jax Helton and Kaden Taylor and have solid backups that will see a lot of playing time in senior Jacob Goodin and freshman Gage Love.

The linebackers will be Dustin Jones, Greg Hurst, Landen Abner and Braxton Washington.

The Pineville secondary will feature Wilson, Kaiden Robbins, Ethan Jackson and Riley Monhollen.

The 2024 schedule will feature the same teams as 2023 with a small twist due to renovations at Bill Adams Stadium.

“We open up at home against Clay County on Aug. 23. Due to construction on our playing field, our first two home games will be played at Union College,” said Harris.