The La Feria Lions are heading into a new season with a bigger district, a new starting quarterback and a running back coming off a breakout year.

District 16-4A Region 2 used to have 4 teams. With realignment, it now has 8, meaning more district games, earlier district play and tougher competition to reach the playoffs.

The Lions will face some stiff competition from Coastal Bend teams Ingleside and Robstown.

"There's definitely going to be some competition where we think iron sharpens iron but it's one of those deals that we feel like we need to do that in order to play deep in the playoffs so we think it's going to be a good thing," Head Coach Craig Foster said.

La Feria graduated starting quarterback Jaden Martinez. John Sanchez appears to have the edge in the quarterback competition right now.

The Lions are returning most of their offensive line along with running back Noah LaFleur, who had a strong season last year.

"Just raising the standard for him and he raises the bar himself as well so to see what he can do this year," Foster said. "Last year towards the end of the season he was playing both ways and we expect some of that again this year."

Sanchez said the supporting cast around him helps take the pressure off.

"It's a lot of stress off my back. My first season as a varsity quarterback having Noah and my o-line it's a great talent, it's a big help for sure," junior quarterback John Sanchez said.

LaFleur said the team is putting in the work.

"We're practicing, hustling my o-line they're working, everybody is working hard, my quarterback is working hard we're ready for the season," junior running back Noah LaFleur said.

La Feria opens the season against Donna. District play starts in Week 4 against La Grulla, followed by Ingleside and a bye week in Week 6.

The second half of the season begins on the road at Robstown, then Rockport-Fulton, before the Lions return home to host Port Isabel. They then visit King and close out the regular season at home against London.