By Chris Parker
Lighthouse Christian has a new head coach in Brett Williams taking over this season. Williams was a four-year starter on the offensive line at Florida State and earned All-American honors. He was drafted in the fourth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2003.
Williams takes over a Lighthouse Christian team that finished 10-3 last year. He will bring a more balanced approach to the Chargers’ offense after a split of 607 passes against 88 runs last year.
The quarterback battle is a three-way battle between Noah Miller (senior), Parker Aguilera (junior) and Lucas Meier (junior). Miller was one of the team’s top receivers last year hauling in 63 passes for 1,099 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.
Senior Tyler Vermillion and junior Cooper Knight will be the top receivers this year. Vermillion caught 51 passes for 765 yards and 11 touchdowns. Knight was just behind him at 27 receptions for 537 yards and five touchdowns.
Senior Joe Fleetwood leads the players vying for time at running back.
Four starters return on the offensive line in Carson Williams (sophomore), James Robinson (senior), Parker Ray (senior) and Zach Tillman (senior). Those four along with senior Ethan Cliburn will comprise the defensive line. Ray accounted for 92 total tackles with Williams just behind him at 86 total tackles.
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Jeremiah Buie was the team’s leader in tackles last year at 132 and returns this season. Isaiah Miller was No. 2 in tackles at 102. That duo will anchor the second level at linebacker.
Knight, Vermillion, Aguilera and Noah Miller will hold down the secondary. Knight had a team-high 4 interceptions last year. Aguilera was just behind him at three interceptions with 85 total tackles.
“We are fortunate to have many great leaders on our team, including the seniors who have been long-time Chargers,” Williams said. “The heaviest role of leadership will be on senior Noah Miller, who has been a four-year starter for the Chargers. His toughness and willingness do whatever his coaches ask of him serves as a great example to the rest of his teammates.”
Lighthouse Christian will have good team speed this year, but must learn to be more physical.
“We are fortunate have good speed and athleticism in all of our skill positions, which is why we will try to spread the field out and let our athletes play in space,” Williams said. “We need to learn how to be more physical up front on the offensive and defensive lines. We must greatly reduce the amount of discipline related issues, like penalties and turnovers.”
