Lyon Coach Chris Douglas happy with team's energy in preseason, looks to shake '25 struggles | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Lyon’s fall camp has looked steady so far, even with last week’s heat making practices tougher, according to Scots coach Chris Douglas. The bigger focus is overcoming a disappointing 2025, when the team went 2-7 overall and 1-4 in league play in its first season in the SCAC. Douglas said the Scots have leaned on a determined mindset and competitive intensity in recent weeks, though the staff is also working with inexperience. “We’ve got a really young crew,” he said, adding that some players are still getting their bearings on assignments. He also acknowledged typical offseason issues, including players not having trained as college athletes beforehand, which can impact durability. Lyon picked to finish fourth in the SCAC preseason poll, was tied or leading in four losses, many of which swung after costly second-half mistakes. Offensively, quarterback Grayson Johnson will start again when Lyon opens Sept. 5 vs. East Texas Baptist. Johnson threw 142 of 256 passes for 1,305 yards with 12 TDs and 8 INTs, plus four rushing scores, while Kohen Phifer and Javarion Williams provide experienced leadership.