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Lithia Springs head football coach Ben Arnold said a veteran offensive line should be one of the Lions' team strengths in 2026.

Arnold, who is entering his second year coaching the Lions, expects that core up front to pave the way for an improved running game.

"We're going to be physical," Arnold said at the recent DCSS Football Media Day.

He said the Lions' improved offensive line should also power a stronger ground attack. "We're going to be a much better running team this year."

Overall, the Lions have nine returning starters on offense and eight on defense.

Arnold said the focus getting ready for the season has been on making progress and continuing to grow as a team.

Sophomore quarterback Justin Stephenson took over as a freshman. Arnold said he's seen Stephenson continue to grow into the field general for the Lions.

"It takes a man to be able to lead men," he said. "So he's understanding what the position holds, and that's what we're teaching him."

The Lions moved to Region 3-AAAAA with this year's reclassification, where they'll compete against Central-Carroll, Griffin, Harris County, LaGrange, Starrs Mill and Whitewater.

Arnold highlighted several key players during Media Day:

• OL Donovan Arnold, Sr.
• OL/TE Evan Betts, Sr.
• DE/LB Dylan Carver, Sr.
• DE/TE Mekhi Clarke, Sr.
• DT Rashad Dooley, Sr.
• WR/ATH Kamari Frazier, Sr.
• LB/Edge Harry Fulton, Jr.
• OL/DL Harper Jackson, Sr.
• WR/DB Demetric Johnson, Sr.
• OL/DL Jordan Norman, Sr.
• QB Justin Stephenson, So.
• WR/TE Cameron Walden, Sr.
• WR/DB Jamier Young, Sr.

Lithia opens the season at home against Chapel Hill in a non-region contest on Aug. 21.