Following a 5-5 finish in 2023, the Lindbergh Flyers football team is hard at work to improve in 2024.
“Our primary goals are to improve each day, strive for continuous progress week by week and develop our young athletes,” Flyers head coach Nathan Norman said. “We have a dedicated group of players who are committed to working hard in every aspect of their training: on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom.”
On offense, success starts with the line, and Lindbergh is returning four of five starters from last season. All-State tackle Cooper Saulka returns along with seniors Braden Duke, Brady Ford and All-Conference lineman Carter Lanham.
On the defensive side of the ball, All-District and All-Conference senior safety Javonte Tiller and All-District and All-Conference junior safety Jackson Bailey will anchor the Lindbergh defense this season. Lanham returns as linebacker, and sophomore lineman Jameson Honey, who started as a freshman last season, also returns.
Norman will also have some players with expanded roles this fall.
Senior offensive lineman Thatcher Nagle and junior fullback/linebacker Brody Wharton are expected to contribute.
“We anticipate that several new sophomores will emerge as contributors,” Norman said. “Players like Jack Politte, Andre Jefferson, Kevin Fisher, Kingston Coates, Julian Brooks, Noah Norman, Carter Holmes and Jayden Tiller have all had strong offseasons as skill players. Additionally, Harun Selimovic and Kasen Williamson have shown promise on both the offensive and defensive lines.”
Throughout the offseason, Norman has been impressed with his squad’s commitment to getting better and preparing for the upcoming season.
“Our team has demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for practice and a genuine camaraderie on the field and in the weight room,” he said. “This summer, we saw exceptional attendance, with over 90 players lifting three times a week.”
While upperclassmen leadership will be a significant asset to the Flyers this season, Norman did say the team will miss some key players who graduated.
“Our strengths will include our senior leadership and our performance in the trenches on both sides of the ball,” he said. “We have experienced veterans in key positions who will be crucial to our success.
“One of our biggest challenges will be filling the gaps left by graduation. We lost some outstanding players last year, and it will be essential to find effective replacements from our current roster. Continuing to improve each practice and growing as a cohesive team will be critical.”
The Flyers will open the season on Friday with a contest against Oakville, a team they did not face last season and a squad that Norman has great respect for.
“We are particularly looking forward to our season opener against Oakville,” he said. “They are a formidable team, and coach Mike Genge will have them well-prepared. It has been a while since we’ve played at Oakville, and it promises to be an exciting environment. We’re eager for the opportunity to face a strong and quality opponent.”