East Dallas Times

Community Contribution

After a five-year hiatus, the Lakehill Preparatory School Warriors return to 11-man football with the fall season.

Spring practices kicked off recently as the team began making the transition.

Just two years ago, when varsity Head Coach Chris Peacock arrived at Lakehill, participation in the football program was low. He stuck with six-man with the hopes of returning to 11-man within two years.

Now, with 22-25 boys expected on next seasons’ roster, the numbers rival those experienced during the team’s heyday in the late 1970s. With a possibility of 25 boys on this year’s team, it could turn out to be one of the largest teams in school history.
 


“With so many kids on the team, six-man would be tough. You would always have 16 kids on the sidelines,” Peacock said.

Rather than opting for a junior varsity team and a varsity squad in six-man, Peacock and Athletic Director Bob Yttredahl decided the time was right for a return to 11-man. The Warriors, which consistently showed strong performances in the 1990s, made their last playoff appearance as an 11-man team in 2000.

Coaches agreed that the outlook for the return is positive. The 22 players now on next year’s roster include 13 returning lettermen. Returning All-District players include Stephen Thompson, Charles Burch, Austin Simpson, Beau Bunger, and Cris McCarty. Two key newcomers to the team are Tyler Wentz and John Godbey.

“The last two years in six-man have been respectable seasons [5-5 in 2008, 6-4 in 2009], and I believe we will enter 2010 with confidence in our ability to compete,” Peacock said.

In a game where size and experience matter, Lakehill will start the year with an older, more tempered team. Lakehill’s team counts a significant number of upperclassmen for the first time since 2006. In previous years, it was not uncommon for 75 percent of the team to be underclassmen. 
 


Lakehill will play in TAPPS Division IV, District 2, a group that includes teams familiar to Lakehill such as Canyon Creek and Garland Christian. The competition will still be tough, with Canyon Creek boasting back-to-back state championships.

Peacock said he is encouraged by his players’ enthusiasm.

“I think they are really looking forward to being the group to bring 11-man back to Lakehill,” he said. “Although we may struggle a bit in our first year, we will be very competitive.”

Yttredahl agreed.

“Everyone is very excited to be moving back to 11-man football. Our participation is at an all-time high, so now is as good a time as any to make the move. With a dedicated coaching staff and a group of student-athletes who are up to the challenge, I am confident it will be a smooth transition.”

Highlights of the upcoming season include a tailgate party game Sept. 3 against Frost High School, homecoming Oct. 22 against Waco Christian, and Senior Night on Nov. 5 against McKinney Christian.

Thanks to Gigi Ekstrom, marketing director at Lakehill, for providing the words and pictures.

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