By Jeff Hare,  Correspondent

LISBON — The Lisbon Lions are among the teams expected to contend for the title in Class A, District 5.

But Coach Kent Allison isn’t among the believers just yet.

“I don’t like guessing on how good we can be,” said Allison, “I want us to achieve as high as we possibly can.”

Allison did concede though, that he has a pretty good team.

“We will have some decent talent,” he said. “We have some size on the line and speed in the skill positions.”

The Lions will return 12 lettermen, including two players who received all-state honors in 2010.

Seniors Tyler Smith, a lineman who checks in at 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, and defensive back Ben Knake were honored after the Lions finished 9-3, advancing to the state quarterfinals, losing to District 5 rival Waco, 34-8.

“We do have a couple of other players who are capable of playing at a high level, and that is our focus right now,” Allison said. “For us to have success, everyone needs to pull their share.”

It’s the depth that has Allison concerned.

“We don’t have a lot of depth after the starters,” he said. “This may cause us to play a lot of freshmen and sophomores, as we go along.”

District 5 appears to be strong again in 2011. Waco won the title last year, followed by the Lions.

“The region will be strong this year,” Allison said. “Danville and Lone Tree have a lot players returning, and good quality athletes.

“Waco simply reloads,” Allison added. “They were undefeated in the regular season last year, and they have a quality program. All three teams have a lot of talent coming back, and are extremely well-coached. At this point, it’s hard for me to say who will be the best team.”

Despite that, Allison isn’t ready to concede anything.

“If we play to our ability and stay healthy we can play with anyone,” he said.

The schedule doesn’t do the Lions any favors. Their non-district opponents include Valley of Elgin on the road, perennial power West Branch at home and a road game at Belle Plaine. All three were playoff teams in 2010.