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The team motto at Ben Lomond High defines the Scots football team: REAL.

Coach Aaron Dooley used the acronym throughout the summer conditioning to teach his players to be resilient, empathic, accept responsibility and leadership. Dooley, who is in his first season, wants that message to register with his players as he installs a new offensive scheme, the pistol spread.

"The expectation is to help the kids with a new system to help our student-athletes to use football as a tool while moving forward," Dooley said. "We want something the kids can be proud of and serve the community by preparing the kids to get into college."

Every position is up for grabs, even with 13 seniors returning. Dooley is using the competition to prepare his players for the upcoming challenges. By adopting the pistol spread, he believes the zone blocking schemes can be picked up easily by the players. Dooley said that whoever is under center will have chances to light up the scoreboard.

"We will be very effective," Dooley said. "We want to hold on to that sucker and have our offense be our best defense."

Ben Lomond will lean on the leadership and strength of Keith Holman. The 6-foot-1, 255-pound lineman will play both ways and is a workhorse. He will be blocking for junior Mario Anderson. The running back is an exciting player with a good combination of speed and strength.

Ben Lomond opens the season Aug. 23 when it hosts Union. —

Ben Lomond Scots

ASSIGNMENT • Class 3AA North

LAST YEAR • 0-9 overall, 0-6 Region 11

KEY RETURNER • Lineman Keith Holman is bringing back his strength, leadership and blocking ability for his third varsity campaign.

PLAYER TO WATCH • Running back Mario Anderson is looking to have a breakout year. Anderson, who is quick and strong, should prosper in the pistol spread formation.

BIGGEST HOLE • Experience. Coach Dooley is focused on making sure his kids are in the right place to be successful on the field.

NEED TO KNOW • Wins and losses are not as important as preparing the players for college. Dooley treats football as an extension of the classroom and is focused on building both on the field and in the classroom.