27 Aug 2011 England: Lions out to prove last year no fluke

Fifteen years is a long time. That’s how long it had been since England had a winning season, but that all changed last fall.

“We went from 0-10 the year before to 6-5,” coach Brandon Barbaree said. “This was the first time in 15 years we had a winning season and the first time we made the playoffs in four years.”

The Lions could post an even better season this fall with 16 starters returning. Senior Quinton Woods (5-9, 175) returns at running back after rushing for more than 500 yards and five touchdowns in 2010. Junior Jordan Ross (6-1, 190) also returns in the backfield after rushing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns last fall. Lucas Hargraves (6-0, 190) moves from receiver to quarterback.

Ross and senior Drew Hudson (6-1, 240) lead nine starters on defense. Ross lines up at linebacker and Hudson bolsters the defensive line at tackle.

“Our players are hard workers, competitive and optimistic for a top spot in the 6-2A,” Barbaree said. “We have a winning attitude, improved strength and a positive spirit. Our weakness is our lack of depth of numbers.”