Written By: Sven Alskog
Lakeland was the lone representative out of the 4A IEL to miss the playoffs in 2018, leaving the team hungry to get back to state this time around.
The Hawks boasted the offensive and defensive newcomers of the year in the league last year in Ezra Grigg and Amnon Munyer, both of which return to the program this season.
Joining Grigg in the backfield is quarterback Brandon Furey, with First Team All-League offensive lineman Travis Derrick up in front of them to lead the way.
Entering his 18th season at Lakeland, Tim Kiefer will have a challenging task ahead of his team, which resides in an improving league that sees both Sandpoint and Moscow return key players. Last year the Hawks came within a touchdown of a trip to state with a 28-21 loss to Lakeland.
In order to get back to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus, the offense will need to develop some more big play ability. The Hawks continually sat between 13 and 28 points in games a year ago, with just a 41-14 win over Timberlake the exception to that. With a touchdown or two improvement on the offensive side of things, Lakeland has the ability to add a win or two to their tally by the end of the year.
Cage Hendry and Trey McArthur are both offensive weapons that have departed as well.
Lakeland begins 2019 on August 31 against Blackfoot at Holt Arena.