BY MADDIE JOINER
FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER
Following an upsetting 2020 season, Lee-Scott head coach Buster Daniel is looking to find success against a tough stretch of teams in the Warriors’ 2021 schedule. Lee-Scott posted a 2-7 record last year, and are aiming to improve that come August.
At High School Football Media Days on Tuesday, Daniel said he and the team have been trying to forget last year and use the offseason to prepare for the fall.
This is the first full offseason Daniel is getting with the Warriors, as he was hired last May while football operations were shut down due to COVID-19. The team has been hard at work this summer as they try to improve.
“They’re eager to learn,” Daniel said. “They were not satisfied with the season they had last year. They wanna see that turned around. That’s why they went to work like they did.”
Daniel said finally having a full offseason has been very beneficial to the team, and added they have worked on a whole new offense this summer.
Lee-Scott will be a very young team this year, having just seven seniors.
“Most of our guys who played last year were underclassmen, so we’re young in age, but we have some experience,” Daniel said.
As the Warriors gear up for the 2021 season, Daniel said he believes his team has the toughest schedule in the AISA. The young Warriors start their season with a test against the 2020 AA state champions, Chambers Academy.
“Very good football team loaded with athletes, very well-coached,” Daniel said of the Rebels. “It’s going to be a great test for us at the beginning of the year.”
Lee-Scott is on bye the following week, but then awaits the 2020 AAA state runner-up, Glenwood. After that, the Warriors have a matchup against the AAA state champs, Pike Liberal Arts.
“We’re looking forward to this year because our guys have really stepped up,” Daniel said. “They worked their back ends off in the weight room all year. I’m truly looking for a good year out of these young men.”
While the overall team goal is to make it to the playoffs, some players have goals they want to reach off the field. Senior offensive and defensive lineman Jackson Earnhart said his goal is to grow closer as a team and become a family.
“Football is family,” he said. “It’s more than just throwing on pads.”
Lee-Scott will kick off the 2021 season Thursday, Aug. 19 with an away matchup against Chambers Academy at 7 p.m. CST.
Lee-Scott Schedule:
Aug. 19 – @ Chambers Academy
Sept. 3 – Glenwood
Sept. 10 – Pike Liberal Arts
Sept. 17 – Macon East Academy (Homecoming)
Sept. 24 – @ Springwood
Oct. 1 – @ Bessemer Academy
Oct. 8 – @ Valiant Cross Academy
Oct. 15 – Hooper Academy
Oct 29. – @ Morgan Academy