25 Aug 2010 501 Football Extra: Bismarck Lions

Bismarck jumped out to a 3-0 start, but the good times didn’t last long. The Lions didn’t win again until Week 10, 26-24 over Centerpoint. Despite the tough go in the 5-3A, the Lions did make progress last fall.

“We had a very impressive off-season,” coach Jeff McBride said. “This group has strong work habits. We are coming off the best record at Bismarck in the last 13 years, but 4-6 still isn’t good enough.”

Senior Colton Hughes (5-11, 170) takes over at quarterback after serving as the backup last year. He also was a starting running back. He passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 558 yards and seven touchdowns.

J.D. Crow (6-3, 230) and Zach Schultz (5-8, 160) lead seven returning starters on defense. Crow earned all-conference honors last fall with 68 tackles, three sacks and three fumble recoveries. Schultz led the Lions with 78 tackles in 2009.

More progress is the goal for the Lions, but it’s still a tough road in the 5-3A with Prescott, Glen Rose and Fountain Lake – the defending 3A champion – on the schedule.

“It should be an interesting season,” McBride said. “I am hoping that we have closed the gap and are more competitive. Our kids are stronger and faster, but we still have a long way to go. We are in such a tough conference that it is hard to guess how we compare. I do know that we’ll be a much improved team.”

5 Players to Watch: Colton Hughes (Sr. QB), J.D. Crow (Sr. DE), Zach Schultz (Sr. DB), Tyler Eads (Sr. OL) and Dakota Provence (RB/WR).

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1 Must-see Game: “The defending 3A champions – Fountain Lake – travel to Bismarck on Oct. 29.” – 501 Football Staff pick

2010 Schedule
Sept. 3        Murfreesboro
Sept. 10    at Horatio
Sept. 17    at Arkansas Baptist
Sept. 24    at Jessieville*
Oct. 1        Benton Harmony Grove*
Oct. 8        at Glen Rose*
Oct. 15        Cutter Morning Star*
Oct. 22        at Prescott*
Oct. 29        Fountain Lake*
Nov. 4        at Centerpoint*