By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter

bnimmons@thepccourier.com

CENTRAL — Following an Upper State championship berth in 2018, hopes were high for the Daniel Lions entering this season.

The Lions lived up those high expectations for much of the season, scoring a perfect 9-0 mark in the regular season and winning their first region title since 2013.

However, the attrition of a long season wore down the Lions, leading them to fall short of their ultimate state championship goal in a third-round loss to the Ridge View Blazers.

The Lions got off to a hot start on the year in a 44-0 shellacking of the Liberty Red Devils. Jordan Grayden made his first start at running back for the Lions and was impressive, with 86 yards from scrimmage and two first-quarter touchdowns to give the Lions an early advantage. Add in a 73-yard interception return touchdown by De’Andre Bradley and a smothering of Liberty’s stable of backs and Daniel gained an easy victoryYou must be logged in to view this content.