By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
After suffering their first league loss of the season against Franklin, the Lakeside Lions football team is focused on finishing strong, with an opportunity to win the Metro Valley division and tie the school record for most victories in a season.
According to Lakeside head coach Mike Lengel, the Lions’ loss to Franklin eliminated them from state playoff contention, although they still have an opportunity to win the Metro Valley division title. Lengel explained that, under his understanding of Metro League rules, a Valley division team must be a Class 3A program, finish undefeated in league play and win a crossover game against Metro’s No. 5 seed to advance to the state playoffs.
Despite the setback, senior captain Cutler Shultz said the team’s expectations have not changed. The Lions remain determined to finish the season with the same discipline that helped them reach this point.
“Unfortunately, we just lost our first League game, but this is a different Lakeside football team than last year’s, and winning out our division hasn’t been something Lakeside football has had the opportunity to do in a long time,” said Shultz. “Though the team and the staff understand that the reason we got here was by doing the little things right and not being individual heroes, but by being a well-functioning, fortified machine of a team, the biggest thing for us will be to continue to do what we’ve always been doing and never to get ahead of ourselves.”
Lengel credits much of the team’s success to its senior leaders, who have helped establish expectations for preparation, accountability and teamwork.
“I think the senior leadership on the team has been one of the things that stands out about this team in particular,” Lengel said. “I just think this senior class has really shown as a group that if we can stay committed and continue to put forth effort, and build that culture within our team, then we could be really special this year.”
Senior captain Owen Smith said the foundation was built during the offseason, when players worked together to develop chemistry and prepare for an offensive system suited to their strengths. Captain Michael Wang also credited additional meetings, weight-room work and a commitment shared throughout the roster.
“The biggest factor in our success has been the buy-in on every level of our team,” said Wang. “Everyone working together to make the team better is, in my opinion, the most crucial element of our success.”
With 25 players on the varsity roster, Lakeside has relied on contributions from younger athletes. Lengel said sophomores have earned opportunities in varsity roles that coaches might ordinarily reserve for more experienced players.
Captain Mekai Hancock said the younger players have embraced those responsibilities while challenging the upperclassmen to improve.
“Considering how small our team is, every single player has an impact on how the team shapes up,” said Hancock. “The young guys this year and last year have done an amazing job of fearlessly committing and competing in practice not only to better themselves, but to better the upperclassmen too.”
The captains have approached leadership in different ways. Hancock focuses on building a community where players feel valued, while Wang uses his energy during practice to encourage teammates and maintain intensity.
“That’s why in practice I’m jumping around, running down the field to hype up my teammates after great plays, and generally being enthusiastic,” said Wang. “Especially the younger guys will see me doing that and get really fired up, so that’s how I try to keep our practices high-intensity and focused.”
Smith emphasizes consistency and avoiding complacency, particularly when the team is winning. Together, the captains have helped reinforce the culture Lengel has worked to establish.
Wang said the coach’s influence extends beyond offensive schemes and game preparation to the relationships he develops with players.
“Coach Lengel is the bedrock of our team. It’s not just the schemes and the endless hours he puts in, though it certainly is that; it’s also cultural,” said Wang. “He listens to every player and empowers the players as a whole. He always has our back, and he never gives up on us.”
One part of Lengel’s approach is teaching players to manage their emotions and remain focused. Hancock said each practice begins with at least 30 seconds of breathing exercises to help players put aside distractions.
Hancock also recalled a lesson from his freshman year when Lengel used a graph to illustrate the emotional highs and lows of competition. Rather than dwelling on mistakes or becoming overly excited after a big play, players were encouraged to regain their composure.
“‘Come back to center’ is a saying that has stayed in my head ever since, and it definitely comes off the field and into other aspects of my life and helps me to do my best work,” Hancock said.
That emphasis on preparation and focus has also influenced sophomore quarterback Nathan Ehrlichman, who has taken on a significant role directing Lakeside’s offense.
Lengel described Ehrlichman as a dedicated student of football who studies college, NFL and high school games to improve his understanding of the sport.
“He’s a real football nerd,” Lengel said. “He studies the game. He watches other games. He watches college and NFL and other high school games and tries to learn from what he’s watching.”
Ehrlichman has worked closely with Lengel since offseason team activities began in June, arranging meetings to discuss plays, offensive concepts and game plans. He credits that collaboration with helping him understand the offense and become more comfortable leading it.
His preparation also includes a distinctive pregame routine. Before games, Ehrlichman walks onto the field alone with music and a notebook, visualizing defensive formations and situations he might encounter. Without a football, he mentally rehearses how he will respond.
“That way, when a big moment comes, it feels like I’ve already been there,” Ehrlichman said.
As the Lions approach their remaining games, their focus is on competing for the Metro Valley title and potentially matching the school record for wins in a season. For the seniors, it is also an opportunity to finish their high school careers together.
Hancock said the players remain committed to supporting one another, while Smith continues to emphasize staying focused on what the team can control.
“I tell the guys, just play football,” said Smith. “Don’t listen to the chatter, and don’t listen to the noise. Simplify the season to one game at a time. Simplify each game to individual reps. Just win that rep.”
