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LINCOLN — Second-year head junior high coach Reed Mendoza thinks Lincoln might catch opponents by surprise as they grasp fundamentals of the game. With the bulk of last year's team moving into the high school ranks this season features plenty of new faces. "We're going to be one of those teams that come week ten, you might not recognize us if you watch our first game," Mendoza said. "We're going to come a long way. We're going to progress a lot. Definitely seen a lot of progress in the first two weeks of practice, so it's been encouraging. We have to continue to work hard." OFFENSE Quarterback Early in training camp starting quar- terback was up in the air with two freshmen, Brodey Bowen (5-10, 145) and Ashtin Lankford (5-8, 130), battling it out for the starting job. "We'll make that decision probably the week of the first game, who will start that first game," Mendoza said. Regardless of who starts, Mendoza said both quarterbacks will play that first week or maybe the first few weeks until someone separates themself from the other. Tailback "It's going to be more of the same at tailback," Mendoza said. "We've got a lot of new faces with the junior high team this year. " Eighth-grader Layne Sellers (5-8, 146) and ninth-grader Caleb Matthews (5-8, 150) are contending for the starting role. The junior Wolves will run a two-back system. "Both talented kids, both hard-nosed football players," Mendoza said. "Once again, no matter who wins that job both of them will play all year." H-Back Lincoln's Spread offense has gotten away from using a regular fullback. Mendoza describes the hybrid posi- tion as more of an H-back. In the first weeks of practice, that set had yet to be installed, although Mendoza has a couple of kids in mind. Tight End The same guy operating as H-back will play tight end. "That same kid will also play tight end for us," Mendoza said. "We've got a few in mind, but we haven't put that forma- tion in yet so it hasn't become a compe- tition, but it will." Receivers The two featured receivers, who Mendoza plans to get the ball to more than anybody, are freshman Devonte Holmes (6-0, 150) and classmate Rafael Pena (5-6, 138). "Devonte's a taller athlete, he is kind of lanky, can go up and get the ball," Mendoza said. "He'll stretch the field for us." Pena is the complete opposite — short and very explosive. The junior Wolves will bring Pena in motion and give him the ball on the jet sweep on running plays. "He'll also catch some passes for us," Mendoza said. Rounding out the receiver corps are two more freshmen players with good hands, Brennin Davis (5-10, 140) and Lincoln Morphis (5-9, 149). "They're both kind of 'tweeners' as far as what they bring to the table," Mendoza said. "They're not small, they're not big, they're not real explosive, but not slow by any means, either. They'll be good additions for us." Offensive Line Eighth-grader Val Diaz (5-9, 200) is a big body at center snapping the ball into the shotgun. 10 | EntErprisE-LEadEr WEdnEsday, aug. 29, 2018 2018 Football Preview Junior Wolves Relying On Many Newcomers MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER The 2018 Lincoln Junior High football team is ready to compete. The junior Wolves began with a scrimmage against West Fork Aug. 20 as they get ready to take on border rival Westville, Okla., Aug. 30. By Mark Humphrey ENTERPRISE-LEADER SEE JUNIOR WOLVES PAGE 11