LUTHER LIONS

Coach: BRAD ROBERTSON

6-5

OFFENSE

Luther head coach Brad Robertson likes the direction the Lions’ program is headed. He feels his team is now set up for a playoff run in 2023. “I think we can make a playoff run. Our team goal is to be playing after 12 weeks. I think we can be a quarterfinal team. Number of players are up from 21, finishing the 22-23 campaign. In the spring, we’ve had 35 most days. Depth is welcomed, we have been low on numbers. Hoping to keep those numbers trending up,” Robertson said. Offensively, the Lions return nine starters, including senior running back Ruben Vega (6-0, 195). Vega was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022. “Ruben is a special guy who knows the game and plays with bad intentions,” Robertson said. “Never flashy, never asks for the spotlight but puts on a show. He is a leader in our program and in the school. Can’t say enough good about the kid. You want 25 Ruben Vegas on your team.” Quarterback Brody Becker (6-1, 175, Jr.) also returns after throwing for 1,700 yards with 25 TDs as a sophomore. Becker’s top target will be receiver Quinton Richardson (6-5, 185, Sr.), who had 850 yards and 14 scores a year ago. “We will spread it to run it,” Robertson said. “Get the ball out quick to our guys in space. When you worry about Quinton outside, we run Vega at you. It’s a good two-headed monster.”

DEFENSE

The Lions return six starters on the defensive side of the ball, led by Ruben Vega at inside linebacker. Vega tallied 113 tackles, 15 tackles for losses, six sacks, three interceptions and had three defensive touchdowns in 2022. “We will have even fronts and be able to adjust with the secondary,” Robertson said. “We will play simple and fast and be great tacklers and bring great effort on the D side of the ball.” Also returning is defensive end Brock Smith (6-0, 190, Sr.) and safety Colt McCaslin (5-8, 140, Jr.). Smith recorded 58 tackles last year with 10 tackles for losses and six sacks. “Brock is going to be a three-year starter for us. He never comes off the field, never complains, shows up and does his job. He is a quiet young man, but he has bad intentions on the football field,” Robertson said. “Great leader and teammate. Our expectations are high and it’s because guys like Brock Smith. He embodies the blue-collar mindset that Luther folks have.” McCaslin finished with 77 tackles, seven interceptions and had two defensive touchdowns.

SCHEDULE

8-25 – at Prague

9-1 – vs. Perry

9-8 – vs. Oklahoma Christian School

9-22 – at Crossings Christian

9-28 – at Star Spencer

10-6 – vs. Jones

10-12 – vs. Kellyville

10-20 – at Meeker

10-27 – vs. Bethel

11-3 – at Chandler