Dulaney High principal Lynda Whitlock told rookie football coach Chris Fallon, when he took over the job, that he needs to make the Lions try harder.
Lions supporters really grew tired of losing after six consecutive 1-9 seasons and way too many blowout losses.
"The principal was very clear," Fallon recalled. "She said, 'I want to make sure you understand: I just want a competitive football team.'"
That seems to be the theme of Dulaney's new season. The Lions aren't focusing on wins and losses. They are concentrating on effort and intensity.
"I never told my team, 'Let's go out and win,'" said Fallon, a Dulaney assistant last year and Overlea's head coach in 2008 and 2009. "I told them we are going to be competitive every second of every game — highly competitive."
Dulaney took an important first step toward accomplishing Fallon's goal in its season opener Sept. 3, beating host Kenwood 26-20.
Lions quarterback Dre Lewis (9-for-16, 190 yards) threw three touchdown passes. DJ Foster caught two of those passes and ran for another touchdown.
"I think it's Dulaney's first season-opening win since 2004," Fallon said.
Dulaney's comeback was almost more impressive than the victory. At halftime, the team trailed 20-0.
It probably wasn't the kind of game the Lions have would won in recent seasons.
"I was really impressed with the kids' character," Fallon said. "They just never gave up."
Lewis, a 5-foot-8, 160-pound junior and two-year starter, could be the strength of the team's multiple offense. He has tantalizing athletic ability, a tremendous work ethic and throws as well as he runs.
"He has the potential to be one of the better quarterbacks to come out of Dulaney," Fallon said. "He did as much football as he could in the offseason. He spent a lot of time at camps and working out with college guys."
Lewis, who threw seven touchdowns and six interceptions last fall, also worked out with former University of Maryland quarterback Jordan Steffy.
"I have a lot more confidence this year," Lewis said. "My mechanics are better and I am throwing the ball with more velocity."
The offensive line, featuring tackles Jon Dordai and Logan Walker, center Cooper Manning and guards Mohammad Marzooghian, Jake Daniello and Stephen Smith, has been more consistent than last year.
"The line is better conditioned to play all four quarters," Lewis said. "The pass blocking is great. I have more time when I go back to throw the ball."
That gives Lewis more time to hit prime targets Foster, wide receiver Shaquille Welch and tight end Kevin Ellsworth.
Like the offense, the defense had plenty of room for improvement after giving up 356 points last year.
Key performers include linebackers Louie Bafford, Tyler Marvel and Chris Davis and linemen Kenny MacDonald and Tayvon Small.
"It's just a better scheme," said Fallon, noting a switch from a 4-3 to a 4-4.
Lewis said he expects extra offseason work will carry the Lions far.
"I think we trained harder than anyone in the state," he said. "This is definitely not the 1-9 team from past years."