Preview: Lisle

Last season Lisle failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

Returning to the postseason is part of what will motivate the Lions in 2008.

"They didn't like what happened last year and they've made it known," said coach Dan Sanko. "I think that bodes well for us. That's an attitude, and it starts with an attitude."

It also starts on the line of scrimmage. For Lisle to protect its marquee names - quarterback Jon Surber and 1,104-yard running back Ricardo Lee - the boys in the trenches must do their jobs.

The bad news is, as usual, Lisle is thin not only on the line but overall, with a roster of about 25.

The good news is the Lions return starting offensive linemen Cole Beidelman, Tyler Triplett, Kyle VanDenburgh and tight end Lee Gorski.

Defensively, a pair of 295-pound returnees, Anthony Kisla and Chris Jensen, anchor the line. They should deter blockers from reaching an all-junior linebacker corps featuring returning starter Jon Kolosky. Dave Pawlowicz and Cameron Wright will again pull double duty at defensive back and wideout.

Surber and Lee could provide fireworks should the line improve over their junior seasons and injuries and fatigue not become an issue. Sanko praised Surber's grasp of the offense, his "aggressive" decision-making.

"We should be able to put some points up, but you don't know that yet," Sanko said. "Again, we're so thin if we lose anything we're going to have problems scoring."