Shaw, Lions looking to take step forward in 2022

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Lee Shaw has added a few more studs to his construction project on Lakeview Drive. 

The Lions have had an influx of talent move in over the summer, making Shaw feel much better now than two months ago. 

"We've made a vast improvement," Shaw said. "We've gotten better on grass, and the roster has made us better. I feel really good going into the season."

Fans will see many new names on the roster, including a trio of linemen, brothers Shelton Kelley and Kendrick Kelley, and sophomore DJ Whitcomb instantly adding 900 pounds to the trenches. He also added depth in the quarterback room with sophomore Clay Smith. 

But Lee Shaw hasn't taken the construction hat off just yet.

With his extensive background in building programs – Flowery Branch and Rabun County – into state juggernauts, he knows it takes some time to complete the build.

Lakeview Academy's football program has only two winning seasons in its 17 years, including a 5-4 2020 season with the team's first state playoff berth. That, of course, was Shaw's first season at the program's helm.

However, it has been a tedious project, much like building a house. It takes precision to lay out the foundation, erect the walls and figure out just how many beams are needed to hold up the second floor and roof. 

So, what happened when the team lost eight starters to injury last year? Shaw's foundation was strong enough to withstand the few timbers falling. He continued to preach the message and put the dismal 1-8 2021 campaign in the rearview mirror.

"It's part of the game, the ups and downs," Shaw said. "But we haven't let those stop us. Our program standards and what we believe are being adopted are grounded in these kids, the school, and the football program. If you don't have a winning season, sometimes you feel like you're not progressing when sometimes you really are progressing. It's just not showing up on Friday nights yet.

Even with the new additions, Lakeview's football program is still a build-in-progress.

"Not being successful last year as the previous year had some people putting their hand on the panic button," Shaw said. "It was understandable, but you can't keep your hand on the panic button; you've got to move forward."

Shaw is moving forward, and so is the school. Lakeview Academy dropped out of the Georgia High School Association and joined the Georgia Independent Athletic Association. Riverside Military Academy, along with George Walton Academy and Bethlehem Christian, joined them.

It was a move to give smaller schools like Lakeview an opportunity to grow their programs without the district lines drawn by the GHSA.

"We feel like it was good for us to build our program. We were struggling with numbers, and this move will help us with numbers," Shaw said about the move. "GIAA is allowing kids to move in and play for us."

The Lions ended the season with 17-18 players on the sidelines. Of course, most of that was due to injuries.

"It's one of those things you just deal with," he said. "I've been there and done that. I've had seasons with high expectations and had injuries. So, you just kind of react to the adversity, put your head down and move on. As long as you're trying to get better and keep the kids first, I think everything works out in the end."

Shaw said the numbers are growing in the program, especially in the freshman and sophomore classes.

"We have a large sophomore class with more kids moving in," he said. "There are going to be some more that I think will be able to help us out. I've got a big sophomore class, so time will tell on those guys. I feel really good about where we're at right now."

Harrison Cooper, who was injured in Game 4 last season, Sam Perrot, a dynamic wide receiver turned quarterback after Cooper's injury and Sean Lupczynski were three key players to don the cap and gown in May.

With Smith's arrival over the summer, he adds depth to the position. However, Shaw said Cherokee Bluff transfer Logan Stanley has been tabbed as the starter. Stanley gives the Lions a threat with both his arms and legs, making him a dual threat.

"Logan has really improved over the summer," Shaw said about Stanley. "He's catching on to our system and spinning the ball well. As he goes, the offense will go. He can run as well as throw it."

Shaw said Smith is athletic and can play anywhere on the field.

With the additions of the Kelley brothers and Holcomb, plus returning starters senior Stuart Daniel and junior Evan Yaskulka, the offensive line went from bleak to a bright spot for the Lions. 

"Stuart and Evan are the leaders, for sure," Shaw said. "Offensive line was one of our question-mark spots. We feel really good about that position now." 

Shaw said the team will be a little more skilled on offense and defense this season.

Juniors Tristan Buffington, TJ Blackwell, and sophomores Armand Long and Clyde Jones add depth to the wide receiver room.

Kastin Haynes is a do-it-all type player, and senior Landon Hanes will get a lot of the carries out of the backfield.

"I like what I see so far," Shaw said. "We feel better about our skill position guys, right now. We're really sticking to a lot of fundamentals right now. Now, we just got to get to come together on Friday nights."

The Lions will keep the defensive scheme the same with the 3-3 stack.

Much of the same players will be on defense.

Buffington, Long, Jones and Blackwell will make up the secondary. Haynes could play some linebacker as well as Landon Hanes. Daniel and Yaskulka return to the defensive line.

"We slowed it down over the summer to install some stuff, but everybody is getting on the same page," Shaw said. "We really stuck to the fundamentals early on but started ramping up our install in July. So far, I'm pleased with what I'm seeing."

With the move to GIAA, the Lions were placed in District 4-3A. The new district houses Bethlehem Christian, Riverside Military, George Walton Academy and Loganville Christian.

The Lions will use a solid non-district schedule to tune up for the region. They'll open at home against Kings Ridge on Aug. 19, followed by back-to-back road games to Athens Christian and Pacelli. They'll return home on September 9 to play Creekside Christian. After an off week, they'll play Strong Rock Christian at home on September 23 before opening district play against Bethlehem Christian.

In October, the Lions will hit a three-game district stretch that will determine their playoff fate. Two straight home games against Riverside Military on October 21 and George Walton, then finish up the regular season at Loganville Christian on November 4.

"I like the way our schedule is built," Shaw said. "There are some tough ones early. But I think we can get some experience in those early games and some understanding on how good we've got to play. Which I think is going to help us.

"I think Kings Ridge will be a good test for us to see where we are. I think Pacelli will be a tough road game and a huge challenge for us. But I think Bethlehem Christian will let us know where we are and need to get to really fast. Hopefully, by that point, we're clicking on all cylinders at that point."