Lisbon football starts Class 1A district play Friday, Sept. 19, with a trip to Cascade (2-1).
The Lions’ first year as a 1A team needs a reset, after going 0-3 in non-district play.
“It’s been a tough start,” first-year Lisbon Coach Alex Dean said. “But now we’re in an almost entirely new season. In terms of playoffs and such, that’s all still open to us, even though we are 0-3.
“And I want to emphasize the boys are steadily improving and the coaches are happy with the progress.”
Waterloo Columbus (1-2) beat Lisbon 20-14 on Friday, Sept. 12 at Walmer Field.
The Lions got the running game on track, with quarterback Ryder Meeks rushing for 181 yards on 26 carries with one score. Chase McFarlnae added 41 yards on 14 carries.
But the Sailors loaded the box in the second half to take the run away. Meeks was just 3-for-10 passing for 17 yards.
“The passing game is all about rhythm, timing and trust,” Dean said. “It just takes time.”
It is a bit of a shock. The Lions didn’t lose a regular-season game the past two years. Lisbon hasn’t started 0-3 since 2018, and those Lions finished 0-9.
“It’d be easy for the guys to quit on each, but I have not seen that,” Dean said. “We’ll keep fighting and plugging away.”