LUTHER LIONS

Coach: SHAWN MEEK

Last 7 Years:
2020 – 6-5

2019 – 10-2

2018 – 1-9

2017 – 9-2

2016 – 9-4

2015 – 11-1 

2014 – 6-5 

OFFENSE

Entering his 13th season leading Luther, head coach Shawn Meek said he is excited to see what this year has to offer. Offensively, eight players return from last year’s team. Leading the offense once again is quarterback Braden Browning (5-11, 190, Sr.). Browning is a dual threat QB who threw for over 1,000 yards and ran for over 700 yards in 2020. He also accounted for 16 passing touchdowns and nine rushing TDs. Meek described Browning as ultra-competitive and tough. Meek said those qualities of Browning shape the identity of the team in that same mold. Two of those tough guys are running backs Elijah Scott (5-7, 165, Sr.) and Ruben Vega (5-10, 175, So.). In 2020, those two guys combined for over 700 yards rushing and six touchdowns while averaging over six yards a carry. To have such an effective rushing game, the offensive line has to play well. Center Billy Gilliland (5-9, 225, Sr.) and tackle Cadon Chaney (6-0, 215, Sr.) return to anchor the O-Line. 

DEFENSE

Defensively, it’s all about speed and takeaways for the Lions. Luther will base their defense in a 4-2-5 alignment and is retuning seven starters from last year’s team. Up front defensive tackle Jody Rutledge (6-1, 220, Sr.) and defensive end Riley Johnson (6-3, 195, Sr.) look to create problems in the backfield. Those two guys combined for 104 tackles, three sacks, and five tackles for loss last season. At linebacker Kolton Starkey (5-8, 175, Jr.) returns after tallying 82 tackles, one sack, and five tackles for loss in 2020. In the defensive backfield, safety Aidan Maley (5-11, 190, Sr.) leads the way after recording 66 tackles and three interceptions in 2020. Another DB expected to make an impact this year is Quintin Richardson (6-4, 175, So.). Richardson is great athlete who placed 4th in the high jump at the 2A state track meet as a freshman. Meek said Richardson is ready to have a breakout season for LHS. Assistant coaches include Matt Price, Zack Smith, Terrance Artrip, Zhermayne Caldwell, and Kary Heath. 

Schedule:

8-27 – at Prague

9-3 – BYE

9-10 – vs. Jones

9-17 – vs Rejoice Christian

9-24 – at Blackwell

10-1 – vs. Chisholm

10-8 – at Alva

10-15 – at Oklahoma Christian

10-22 – vs. Newkirk

10-29 – at Perry

11-5 – vs. Hennessey

Click below to order your copy of the 2021 Pigskin Preview today!!!