AISA Class 2A, Region 2, Area 2

2005 Record: 9-2 (7-1 Region)

The Kingwood Christian Lions are reaping the benefits of what six and seven years in the same system will get you. Head coach Jerry Stearns said the seniors and juniors currently on his roster have been through their share of trials to reach the point where they are now – a high powered offense that put up 30 or more points in all but one of its regular season games in 2005. The Lions are looking to build on a 9-2 record and an AISA, Class 2A playoff appearance last year. With only four senior starters gone from last year’s club, Stearns believes his team has the ability to take their game to the next level.

Quarterbacks

Pearce returns to the Lions for his final season after putting up extraordinary numbers in his junior campaign. KCS’s captain completed 125 of 294 passes for 2,474 yards and a gaudy 34 touchdowns. The offensive threat that Pearce provides the Lions is not solely centered around the passing game. The Kingwood slinger also rushed for 642 yards last season on 101 attempts, scoring eight rushing touchdowns. Junior Nathan Pearce and sophomore Andrew Steele will back up Andrew Pearce under center.

Running Backs

Senior tailback John Butts gives Stearns a great alternative to the pass or quarterback keeper. Junior Cam Spinks and freshman Derrick Lykins add depth to the KCS tailback position. Junior Drew Davis will start at fullback for the Lions with sophomore Eric Marshall as backup.

Wide Receivers

Senior Cody Owens follows a stellar junior season as Pearce’s go-to player. Owens finished 2005 with 53 receptions for 1,224 yards and 15 touchdowns, setting a school record and an AISA receiving record in the process. Junior Grant Armstrong and sophomore Blake Hubbard will also start at flankers for the Lions. Senior Ben Massey and junior Nathan Allen will battle for the starting spot at split end. Nathan Pearce and sophomore Daniel Chambers add depth to the inside receiver spot.

Offensive Line

Sophomore Colby Faulkner anchors Kingwood’s offensive line at the center position. Freshman Marc Nelson, sophomores Ethan Robbins, Nick Simmons, Andrew Wood and junior Zach House will rotate for the Lions on the offensive line. Junior Andrew Gilliam and Lee Masters will share time at the tight end position.

Defensive Line

Junior Ethan Abbott and sophomore Colby Faulkner will start at the tackle positions with senior Chase Laney and sophomore Ethan Robbins backing them up. Seniors Jeremy Beauchamp and Nick Holcombe, junior Caleb Draper and Gilliam will all work at defensive end.

Linebackers

Juniors Nathan Allen and Drew Davis, sophomore Eric Marshall, senior Jonathan Newton and Masters will all rotate at the linebacker position.

Defensive Backs

Butts, Massey, Nathan Pearce, Spinks and Owens bring speed and agility to a stingy Kingwood secondary. Owens led the squad in picks last season with 11.

Kickers

Andrew Pearce will also handle all of the kicking duties for Kingwood. He converted 46 of 52 extra points last season.

2006 Schedule

Aug. 25@Hooper

Sept. 1v. Meadowview

Sept. 8v. Shelby

Sept. 15@Springwood

Sept. 22v. Lakeside

Sept. 29v. Chambers(HC)

Oct. 6@Patrician

Oct. 13@Lowndes

Oct. 20@Evangel

Oct. 27v. Cornerston