Lisbon football understood the assignment.

The Lions lost some big boys on the line following the 2023 season in which they finished 9-1, won a district title and advanced to the second round of the Class A playoffs.

“We knew what we were losing,” Lisbon coach Dylan Hastings said. “We had guys step up this offseason. Weight room attendance was extraordinary. The boys showed up ready to work.

“We’ve got about 43 kids on the roster, some of the highest numbers since I’ve been here. We’ve had a good fall camp and are getting ready to rock and roll.”

Lisbon did graduate three starting offensive linemen, including Jonah Reiling, who is now playing at North Dakota. Back are seniors Evan Coleman and Jacob Walerius.

“We have guys that are going to step into those roles,” Hastings said. “We told them early on we want you guys to compete for those spots. Expectations are still high.”

Expectations might be high for senior quarterback Dakota Clark. He returns after a productive junior season when he threw for 806 yards and ran for 584 yards. He scored 29 total touchdowns passing and running. Clark was a 62.1 percent passer (64 of 103) and had nine interceptions.

“He was a player for us last year, and he’s only gotten more comfortable with our offense,” Hastings said. “I’m really excited to see him this year. He’s so natural with the ball in his hands.

“He’d probably tell you he’d rather have the ball in his hands running, but he spent a lot of time this summer throwing the ball, making the reads. If he helps the offense click a little more, that helps a ton.”

Clark is just one Lion who has been part of the past two state championship track seasons. That speed translates well to football.

“There’s no secret to what we do and what we’ve got at Lisbon,” Hastings said. “We’re fast. No doubt about it. We’ve always been a fast school and we’ll use that to our advantage.”

Senior Tiernan Boots ran for 186 yards and three touchdowns, and caught 16 passes for 192 yards last season. Senior Gage Holub did a little bit of everything. He kicked field goals, punted and also caught nine passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns.

The Lions also have some emerging talents.

Seniors Grayson Wollum (6-foot-7) and Daylin Schaefer (6-3) might be bet- ter known for their skills on the basketball court, but could really prove to be impact weapons this fall on the football field.

“Grayson is a great athlete, and a weapon we are excited about,” Hastings said. “He can high point, and track the ball well, and his stature allows him to play over the top of guys.

“Daylin is a basketball guy at heart, so I’m really excited to get him on the football field. He can run, jump and catch. He’s an athlete.”

Hastings also mentioned 6-3 junior Chase McFarlane.

“He’s been a kid that you’ve watched develop over time, and he’s going to help us once he fully develops,” Hastings said.

On the defensive side, Walerius returns as the leading tackler from 2023, with 48 total stops, including 10 tackles for loss. Hastings has been working to add a little grit to go along with the speed.

“We want to be a fast team, but we want to be a physical team, too,” Hastings said. “I told the boys we’ve got to work at that.”

Despite the second-round playoff exit, Lisbon opens as a Top 10 team, and the favorite to repeat in District 5.

“We have a bull’s eye on us,” Hastings said. The district includes Columbus and Pekin, two teams Lisbon battled last year.

“Columbus brings back size and speed; they’ve got a good thing going on down there,” Hastings said. “Pekin, you can tell their kids have bought in to what they are doing.”

Fortunately for the Lions, they host both teams at Walmer Field.

Lisbon opens the season Friday against Durant in Lisbon (7 p.m. kickoff). The Lions beat the Wildcats, 42-0, last season in Durant.