For the first time in program history, the Lone Tree Lions will take the football field with three less guys in the huddle. An unanimous decision by the Lone Tree School Board last November changed the Lions’ football classification from Class A 11-man football to 8-man football. The change takes effect today when the Lions host Central City.

Lone Tree’s move to 8-man football comes on the heels of five straight appearances in the Class A playoffs. Head coach Chad Shield says the move was made to sustain Lone Tree’s football program long term, stating there are 15 athletes out for football at the junior high level. Lone Tree also suffered a number of injuries to upperclassman last season, forcing multiple freshman and sophomores into the starting lineup at the varsity level.

The Lions’ bring back a handful of play makers from last year’s 6-4 Class A 11-man football team. Senior Trey Pierson is vying to be Lone Tree’s starting quarterback this fall. Pierson passed for 457 yards and four touchdowns last season. Senior Jovonte Squiers was Pierson’s top receiver last season, catching 12 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Drake Hotz returns as Lone Tree’s top tackler, making 51 stops defensively. Hotz was one of four Lions to recover two fumbles last season.

The Central City Wildcats were sitting with a 3-3 overall record entering October before losing their final four games of last year’s regular season. This marks the first time the Lone Tree and Central City football teams will share the field together.

The newest season of Lone Tree Lion football kicks off at 7 p.m. at Lone Tree High School. Listen to Monday’s KCII Sports Page for a full recap of the game.