Football Preview: Augusta Christian Lions

Tyler Roberson experienced a defining moment last season.

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Starting at quarterback for Augusta Christian as a freshman, Roberson faced a Charlotte Christian defense featuring four Division I recruits.

"He performed well. He kept his composure," Augusta Christian second-year head coach Keith Walton said. "They were throwing things at him that we hadn't even got to discuss yet, different stunts and blitzes and delayed blitzes."

Walton said Roberson was at a crossroads after the big loss. If he watched the film and got down on himself, he wouldn't have had confidence going forward. Instead, he used it as a learning experience.

"What he gained last year ... I don't think you can put a price on it," Walton said.

As Roberson begins his sophomore campaign, he'll have plenty of help in getting to the end zone.

Versatile athletes Christian Croft and Matt Rogers are set for their senior season. Croft will line up as the primary tailback when the team runs its multiple-I and flex formations, and he will go out wide as a receiver when the Lions are in shotgun.

Rogers will serve as one of the A-backs in the flex, play tailback at times, and also play wideout.

"They fit the system perfectly," Walton said.

Augusta Christian will attempt to improve on last year's 5-6 mark. New for the 2010 season is an adjustment to the South Carolina Independent School Association classification system. This season, all AAA teams will compete in one division. After the regular season, the teams will be seeded into a bracket. Walton compared the system to the NCAA Tournament in college basketball.

On defense, Croft will line up at safety and Rogers cornerback. Anchoring both the offensive and defensive lines will be junior Michael Clifton, who will be joined on both lines by seniors Brian Sweeting and Nick Cerasuolo.

The Lions are young at linebacker, Walton said, though he believes an experienced defensive line will help the inexperienced linebackers in their progression.