St. John XXIII didn’t have the season the team was hoping for last year.

The Lions went winless on the year, finishing 0-10 and 0-5 in district, struggling on both sides of the ball in the campaign, but despite that enthusiasm remains in the locker room and they had a surge in numbers this offseason. And there’s reason for hope heading into the new season.

The Lions return 15 players from last years team while losing just six to graduation. That experience boost will help them this year and they are hoping to build in their first year in an independent district.

Most players will play both ways for the Lions as is always a part of smaller private schools and St. John’s will rely on some to be playmakers on both sides. Sammy Khoury is a three-year starter for the team and will play both running back and defensive back in his senior year.

He was a playmaker both of his two years as a starter on offense and will need to carry lots of the load running the ball. He will be joined in the backfield by Peter Rider, who steps in at quarterback for the team and may also play defensive back and the two should form a strong duo.

Sam Lahr will anchor things on the line, a three-year starter on both defensive and offensive line, Lahr will be counted on not just for his own ability but for his leadership and helping others get set up correctly.

St. John’s opens the season with two road games against Concordia Lutheran and St. Michael’s before getting their first home game Sept. 13 against Brazos. It will be a tough schedule and they will close it against three strong teams in Bay Area Christian, Victoria St. Joseph and Frassati Catholic.