SHAWN MEEK

6-5

OFFENSE

Following a trip to the 2A playoffs a year ago, Luther head coach Shawn Meek says his Lions are excited to compete in District 2A-2 again. Meek knows his district schedule is tough, but he believes the solid group of returning players he has will lay a foundation for a successful season. Offensively, the Lions return five starters and will use multiple spread formations. He says his scheme will be tailored to fit their personnel but will always look to be balanced. Brody Becker (6-1, 175, So.) takes over at quarterback for the Lions. Becker threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns last season as the backup. He’ll have a several weapons at his disposal, including running back Ruben Vega (5-11, 180, Jr.). As a sophomore, Vega ran for 683 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry last season and has that rare combination of speed and physicality. Quintin Richardson (6-4, 175, Jr.) and Logan Franklin (6-2, 190, Sr.) are a pair of big receivers that combined for roughly 500 yards of offense and seven touchdowns last season. Up front Blake Powell (6-2, 225, Sr.) is returning for his final year and will anchor the offensive line. Luther also has a weapon in kicker Jace Mills (6-1, 165, Sr.). Mills scored 37 total points last season and should be a bigger factor this season.

DEFENSE

Luther returns six starters from last year’s defense. The Lions will use multiple even front looks to create simplicity for their players. Kolton Starkey (5-11, 180, Sr.) returns at linebacker after recording 120 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks last year. He’ll be joined at linebacker by Ruben Vega who had 93 tackles and five tackles for loss a season ago. Up front, defensive tackle Marcial Esparza (6-2, 200, Jr.) anchors the defensive line after recording 33 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2021. Defensive ends Brock Smith (5-11, 170, Jr.) and Kris Hines (6-4, 195, Sr.) will look to create havoc in the backfield. They combined for 49 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks last season. Logan Franklin will look to build on strong junior season when he recorded 67 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and three interceptions from his defensive back position. Assisting Meek this season are Matt Price, Zack Smith, Terrance Artrip, Zhermayne Caldwell, and Kary Heath. 

8-26 – vs. Prague

9-2 – at Perry

9-9 – at Oklahoma Christian School

9-16 – BYE

9-23 – vs. Crossings Christian

9-30 – vs. Star Spencer

10-7 – at Jones

10-14 – at Kellyville

10-21 – vs. Meeker

10-28 – at Bethel

11-4 – vs. Chandler