LIMA, OH (WLIO) — After consecutive nine-win seasons and a Toledo City League championship in 2023, Lima Senior has earned respect across Ohio high school football circles. But with several key offensive weapons lost to graduation, questions are beginning to surface about whether the Spartans can maintain their momentum.

"Most definitely, people are doubting us," senior Jaelen Webster said. "They think just because we lost Wilson, Khaliq, and Kion, we've fallen off. But we brought in some key components to help us out."

The Spartans enter the 2025 season with a chip on their shoulder. The outside noise doesn't faze the returning leaders, who say they've seen young talent step up in the offseason.

"They're always going to doubt us," senior Maxson Hardesty said. "We can't control what people think. But we've got young kids—sophomores, freshmen—that have been out here grinding."

Head coach Bill Lawrence knows there's work to do, especially on offense. The Spartans return Ja'Niaus Hall, last season's Toledo City Athletic League (TCAL) Player of the Year, at quarterback. However, they must replace over 4,300 yards of total offense and four starting offensive linemen from last year's squad.

"Two of our defensive backs are now receivers. They've started for two years on defense, so this is their third year starting overall," Lawrence said. "Amontrae Davis got a lot of reps as a freshman last year. Jeff Williams moved back and is doing a great job—he's a playmaker, he's fast. Da'Kaden Taylor is 6-foot-3, 205 pounds on the outside, and George Delatorre works really hard."

While the offense finds its rhythm, the defense returns experience and swagger. Hardesty noted the unit lost only three or four players, with most returners being seniors.

"We're bringing an attacking-style defense," Lawrence said. "They believe in toughness, swarming to the ball. They're physical on that side."

With the season opener against Piqua just days away, Lima Senior is focused internally—not on public predictions.

"We're about winning games, having a positive season, staying together, and hopefully winning another TCAL championship and making a playoff run," Webster said.

"The potential is there. I'd love to see us go to state this year," Hardesty added. "But I also want to see the younger guys continue to grow and carry this program forward."

Coach Lawrence agrees.

"We've got goals to make a deep run," he said. "For that to happen, we need to stay healthy, stay together, and work hard. Right now, the only thing we're focused on is Week 1."

With a creative offense under development and a senior-heavy defense setting the tone, Lima Senior looks ready to prove the doubters wrong—and show that this program is built to last.

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