The Teague Lions took on a tough schedule and clinched a playoff spot. Their drive to do the same in 2022 continues with a new look.
Teague lost to the Grandview Zebras in the bi-district round of the playoffs a season ago and it was the last time on the field for longtime head coach and administrator Donnie Osborn. His retirement brought on a new coach to guide the Lions for 2022 and following. Zach Linscomb comes from New Caney and will bring an excitement that is an extension of the past and the Lions look to continue to move forward.
Linscomb came to Teague High School in the spring and his impressions of the program have only excited him more, “There were not many differences from then and there, if anything, it confirmed some things. We have some tough kids that are not afraid of work and we have a community that will come out of the woodwork to support these players and students in any way possible,” said Coach Linscomb.
The Lions have some holes to fill due to graduation and the answers will come in the non-district season. The quarterback spot has been a competition throughout the first few days of practice, but the Lions return some offensive weapons with big play capability. Jehmel Rice and Tylin Randle used their solid hands and their speed to create some offensive highlights last season. Korey Silar will continue in his role as a big play threat and Emaji Holmes is the possession and drive continuing running back.
The offensive and defensive lines are going to have some new faces but some names that saw action a season ago will be called on for big minutes. Alex Perez and Brindin Hurst could anchor a line that has been a strength over the years in Teague. “Our offensive and defensive front look to be something we can hang our hat on,” added Linscomb.
The defensive will have Rice and Randle anchoring a secondary that did a nice job of keeping away the big chunk pass plays last season. Holmes saw action on the defensive front and could be a big hitter this season.
The real question for the Teague Lions will be learning a new system and terminology. Coach Linscomb added, “Our weakness will be our youth and the learning of new schemes. How quick we can grow together and learn the new system will decide the length of those weaknesses.”
Teague opens the season at home against the Rockdale Tigers and then travel to New Waverly for the second game. A home game against a tough Centerville team and then a trip to Leon County to take on the Buffalo Bison before the open week and the beginning of district play.
The Eustace Bulldogs visit Teague in the District 20-3A opener and the next week they travel to Malakoff to take on the reigning district champion Tigers. On October 14, the Lions face off against an old foe, but a new opponent in the district when the Mexia Blackcats come to town. The Lions renew their rivalry with Groesbeck with a road trip to take on the Goats. They return home for the final time against Kemp on October 28 and then travel to Fairfield to take on the cross-county foe.
The Teague Lions will look to improve each week and want to be better each day. With new things come a getting-to-know-you period, but the Lions know that gap will shrink as they continue to work together and be the best version of the Teague Lions they can be.
