WACO LIONSHead Coach: Johnny Tusa
1998 Record: 8-4 (4-1 in district)
Playoffs: Defeated DeSoto 22-19 (2 OT), lost to South Grand Prairie 42-14
Lettermans Lost: (21) LB LaMarcus McDonald, DT Devian Mims, OT Marcus Degrate, OL Travis Maxey, QB Kaven Peoples, WR Bronshay White, K/P Ryan Schnaufer,
Returning Starters: (12) RB DeMarcus Carter, DB Danielle McLean, DB Bobby Hart, WR Maurice Williams, OG Nabor Leal, LB Gerald Benson, DE Darrell Catlin, FB Jeremy Hicks, DB John Akers, WR Compton Noble, LB Derrick Johnson, QB D.J. Callaway
Outlook: Waco posted a 4-1 district record behind the power running of RB DeMarcus Carter. He gained 1,525 yards on 226 carries and scored 15 TDs. He was second in district in scoring with 78 points, only to Coppres Cove's Vontez Duff. His explosiveness out of the I made him the Lions' second 1,000 yard rusher of the decade. QB D.J. Callaway returns in hope to lead the Lions to a district title. His targets this season will be Maurice Williams and Compton Noble. Williams caught the eyes of recruiters and Noble meanwhile hauled in 12 passes for 194 yards and 4 TDs. On defense, the Lions last season picked of a district high of 12 passes and held district opponents to a league low of 34 points. Hoping to provide that same outcome is DB Danielle McLean who is a third year starter that has great one-on-one coverage skills. The tandem of LBs Derrick Johnson and Gerald Benson should provide the run-stopping defense with the help od DLs Darrell Catlin and Ronnie Smith. Catlin is an all district returnee who was a 200-meter qualifer at the state track meet in May.
Strength: The Lions have more speed and depth than last season. With Carter in the backfield and the defense keeping teams in tact, the Lions are serious district contenders again.
Weakness: The offensive line will draw trouble. The Lions have a sore spot there. They must use young and inexperience players. OLs LaQualon McDonald and Nabor Leal will be starting for the first time.
1999 PREDICTIONS
District 8-5A
1. Copperas Cove
2. WACO
3. Temple
4. Ellison
5. Killeen
6. Leander
Schedule (4-1 in district, 9-4 overall)
| DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | TIME | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Sept. 3 | at Bryan | 7:30 | L 13-9 |
| Friday | Sept. 10 | at Cooper | 7:30 | W 27-7 |
| Friday | Sept. 17 | at University | 7:30 | W 24-6 |
| Friday | Sept. 24 | vs MacArthur | 7:30 | W 17-3 |
| Friday | Oct. 1 | at Westlake | 7:30 | L 14-6 |
| Friday | Oct. 8 | vs Temple* | 7:30 | L 10-7 |
| Friday | Oct. 15 | at Killeen* | 7:30 | W 15-7 |
| Friday | Oct. 22 | vs Copperas Cove* | 7:30 | W 24-7 |
| Friday | Oct. 29 | at Ellison* | 7:30 | W 20-7 |
| Friday | Nov. 5 | at Leander* | 7:30 | W 42-7 |
PLAYOFFS
| DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | TIME | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Nov. 13 | at Martin** | 2:30 | W 35-14 |
| Saturday | Nov. 20 | vs Lewsiville# | 7:30 | W 7-0 |
| Saturday | Nov. 27 | at Lee$ | 2:00 | L 44-20 |
**- at Maverick Stadium in Arlington, TX
#-at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, TX
$-at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, TX
