Published: August 29, 2007 02:14 pm         

Laverne Tigers seek return to playoffs

LAVERNE — Laverne made a successful transition from 11-man to 8-man in 2006 with a 7-4 record, marking the Tigers’ first trip to the playoffs since 2000.

Fourth-year coach Tim Allen sees more improvement in 2007 with the return of six starters.

“I’m very optimistic,’’ Allen said. “We got some size in our offensive and defensive lines and we got some good kids coming back.’’

Laverne must replace standout running back Jake Harris, who missed the last four games of the season with a knee injury.

Quarterback Seth King rushed for 650 yards last season and completed 50 percent of his passes.

He will be behind a strong offensive line consisting of returning starters Ryan Nelson, a 210-pound senior center-defensive tackle; David Schoenhals, a 215-pound sophomore guard-defensive end; and Josh Love, a 175-pound sophomore guard-linebacker.

The Tigers averaged 32.6 points a game in the regular season a year ago before falling to Fox 30-22 in the playoffs.

Kyle Cook, a 160-pound sophomore, and Austin Landers, a 170-pound junior, are capable replacements for Harris, Allen said.

King has two big tight ends to throw to — Scott Lujan, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound sophomore; Ethan Zollinger, a 220-pound senior; and Juan LeVairo, a 6-7, 260-pound junior, who didn’t play football last season.

The defense will be led by linebacker Dillon McGuire, a 6-2, 190-pound senior linebacker who had 130 tackles last season.

Zollinger should help at defensive end.

Landers is a well-regarded prospect at middle linebacker. J.R. Halliburton, a 190-pound freshman, should see some action at linebacker as well. King is back at safety.

Allen is high on cornerbacks Jack Taylor, a 160-pound sophomore, and Blake Smith, a 160-pound junior.

The Tigers will be trying to snap Shattuck’s four-year winning streak in the season opener. The Indians won last year’s game 28-16.

Laverne won its next six games before losing to Pond Creek-Hunter (47-0) and Timberlake (56-6).