Published: May 28, 2009 12:57 am      

Lions 2009 impress former GHS coach

GREENVILLE — Former Greenville head football coach Pittman Keen, who’s been a very interested observer at Lion practices this spring, was asked what exactly he’s been seeing on the field.

“I see a bunch of kids that are eager to play and hungry to win,” said Keen, while interviewed by David Gish on a talk show on KGVL-AM.

Greenville fans can see for themselves at 6 tonight and make their own assessment as the Lions wrap up spring training with a Red-White scrimmage at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium.

The Lions have been practicing after school since May 4 in preparation for the 2009 fall season.

Current head coach Jim Phillips said the Lions have reached most of their goals for spring training, mainly to get more physical and improve their tackling.

“We’re still not where we want to be,” said Phillips.

The Lions have also improved the passing game, according to offensive coordinator Damian Judge.

“Our throwing game was definitely a surprise in the spring,” said Judge.

Quarterback Alton Dennis, who passed for 500 yards last year and ran for 915 yards, will be directing the first offense against the first defense. Flanked behind Dennis in the backfield will be running backs Dakieston Williams and N.J. Mason. Williams rushed for a team-high 921 yards and eight touchdowns on 176 carries last season. Mason, who was the Lions’ top return man, moved over from the defensive secondary to running back.

Dennis will be looking to throw to wide receivers Dijoun Sheppard (17-247, 2 TDs), Devonte Green (6-139, 1 TD) and Jarvis Bruner.

Providing the blocking will be an offensive line that includes tackles Colton Reed and Justin Honeycutt, guards Jacob Buck and Vince Young and center Chasen Lambe.

Trying to stop the offense will be a defense led by end Manon Steward, linebacker Tristian Farley and defensive backs Cobbie Johnson, Dominique Mitchell, Ladarian Green, Desjuan Morgan and Michael Riskey. Also expected to start on the No. 1 defense are end Matthew Ponto, tackles Jeremy Williams and Carlos Torres and linebacker Ezekiel Prado, who’s moved over from offense where he played fullback last season.

The Lions will pit their No. 1 offense against the No. 1 defense and the second offense versus the second defense. They’ll also work on the kicking game though it won’t include full contact.

Phillips, who coached Waller to 11 playoff trips in 18 seasons before taking the Greenville job last year, hopes to get the Lions back on the winning track after they went 2-8 in 2008.

“It’s been two years ago when I went four rounds in the playoffs,” he said. “I’ve still got a taste for it. I’ve been asking the kids, ‘Are you going to be legend makers or legend destroyers?’”