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By Graham Thomas Staff Writer n gthomas@nwadg.com GRAVETTE — The Gravette Lions took a big step in coach Kelby Bohan- non's first season in 2019. The Lions went 4-7 overall and ad- vanced to the state playoffs, which isn't necessarily the bar for Gravette standards. But considering the Lions went 1-9 in the previous year in 2018, it was a much-needed improvement. The Lions are hoping for the same kind of progress this season. "I've got high expectations for this group," Bohannon said. "We're led by 13 seniors — a lot of guys that played on that 1-9 team as sophomores and gained some valuable experience. I also think they want to go back on top and put Gravette back on the map where it belongs as a football town. The expectations for us are high. Anything less than that will be pretty disappointing." When Bohannon took over, the Li - ons' roster was down to about 22, but they got it back up to 36 for the 2019 season. This year it's around 50. "We've grown our whole program by 20 percent since we took over," Bohan- non said. "We went in and had a de- cent season and a really good winter. We were hitting PRs (personal records) every day in the weight room. We were really looking forward to the spring." The covid-19 pandemic hit, but Bo- hannon said he and his coaches did their best to keep things going, even if it was remotely. "By supplementing through Google Classroom, we had the kids post what they had done," he said. "Then we were able to get back together. We had seen where kids had done a good job of maintaining. … The kids have been excited to get back to football and back to familiarity." The Lions will run a spread offense that looks to be multiple in variety. Senior Cy Hilger (6-0, 178) returns at quarterback after completing 130 of 240 passes for 1,588 yards, 17 touch - downs and eight interceptions last season. "Offensively everything starts with our senior quarterback Cy Hilger," Bo- hannon said. "He's a team captain. He's the ring leader for our football team. He's driving the car so to speak." The 4A-1 All-Conference selection Hilger has started 15 straight games at quarterback. "We put a lot on his plate as far as being able to make decisions on the field and distribute the ball where it needs to go," He's earned that trust. He's a competitive kid — one of the fiercest competitors I've ever coached. He's got a good skill set to go with it." The Lions must replace the produc - tion of graduated running back Chase Austin, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards, and receiver Mason Dag- ley (445 receiving yards, 7 TDs). "The biggest part for us offensively is we've got to fill the void of Chase Austin and Mason Dagley," Bohannon said. "Chase will be really hard to re- place. He's a home run guy." Senior Isaac Dann (5-9, 185) was the team's second leading rusher last season and will get an opportunity to General & Cosmetic Dentistry 111 Main St. S.E. • Gravette, AR 479-787-6671 "Piller of the Community" Austin Drug Ken Austin, P.D. James Austin, PharmD Main St • Gravette 479-787-5432 Our goal is to provide Quality Service at a Fair Price 479-787-6757 OPEN MON-FRI 7:30-5 SAT 8-NOON Have a Great Year! Marion L. Harris, D.V.M. Jim Benson, D.V.M. Stacey Rodine, D.V.M. Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 8-10 Large & Small Animal Work • Check Us Out On Facebook 17624 Hwy 72 W (East of Gravette) • CVACCPETS.NET 479-787-6284 2020 Football Preview 10C n Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer Lions expect more progress in 2020 Gravette Lions 2020 schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 28 Vian, Okla. 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Inola, Okla. 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Pryor, Okla. 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Elkins* 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Prairie Grove* 7 p.m. Oct. 9 Huntsville* 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Berryville* 7 p.m. Oct. 23 Green Forest* 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Shiloh Christian* 7 p.m. Nov. 6 Gentry* 7 p.m. * 4A-1 Conference game See GRAVETTE on Page 11C Coach Kelby Bohannon Cy Hilger Isaac Dann Lane Wilkins Trenton Durham Wyatt Coffelt