As the Mountain Ridge Mountain Lions gear up for another exciting season, the energy and determination this offseason have been unmistakable. Under the leadership of Head Coach Andrew Johnson, the program has zeroed in on becoming bigger, stronger, and faster, while sharpening the mental side of the game in year two of their system.
Offseason Focus: Chemistry, Consistency, and Conditioning
Coach Johnson and his staff have emphasized improving consistency and communication both on and off the field. The coaching staff is pushing players to raise their football IQ, particularly in refining execution in both offensive and defensive schemes. On the physical side, the team continues to hit the weight room hard, ensuring every athlete is prepared to maintain peak performance deep into the season.
Special Offseason Events: Summer Camps & 7v7s
Mountain Ridge has a packed summer planned, including a highly anticipated team camp at Cal Lutheran University in California. The end-of-July getaway is about more than football—it’s about team bonding, leadership development, and building brotherhood away from home.
In addition, the Mountain Lions will participate in 7v7 tournaments hosted by major universities, providing invaluable reps, exposure, and competitive fire heading into the fall.
Notable Additions & Coaching Experience
The roster remains largely intact from last season, a promising sign for team chemistry and continuity. But perhaps the biggest offseason boost has come from the sidelines: Mountain Ridge added multiple new coaches from a championship-caliber program, bringing over 30 years of combined experience to the team. Their presence has already raised the bar for preparation and performance.
Players to Watch: Talent and Depth Across the Roster
The Mountain Lions have no shortage of standout athletes poised for big seasons. Key returning and rising stars include:
QB: Lukas Baughman & Amar Sutkovic
RBs: Easton McClanahan, JT Shaffer
WR/TEs: Ethan Holley, Ethan Fernandez, Sanel Eminovic
OL: Jacob O'Dell, Wyatt Tollefson, Landon Williams, Cooper Quintin
LBs: JT Shaffer, Nick Motz
K/P: Taelon Morris
These players have shown exceptional commitment throughout the offseason—whether it’s dominating the weight room, taking extra reps, or stepping up as leaders in the locker room.
Strength & Nutrition: Building the Complete Athlete
Strength Coach Travis Hawthorne is leading the charge on both fitness and nutrition, working closely with players each week to optimize their training, recovery, and performance. The focus goes beyond just lifting—it’s about developing resilient, well-rounded athletes who are game-ready from the first snap to the final whistle.
Coaching Edge: Constant Growth
The coaching staff has taken an aggressive approach to self-improvement, attending clinics and collaborating with college programs to bring fresh strategies and techniques back to Mountain Ridge. This professional development has injected a new level of innovation and intensity into practices.
Challenges Ahead: Battling the Best in Arizona
Competing in the state’s ultra-competitive 6A conference, Mountain Ridge will face a gauntlet that includes two reigning state champions and longtime conference rivals. Coach Johnson sees it as a challenge—and an opportunity.
"This is the kind of schedule that builds toughness, resilience, and pride," says Johnson. "We’re not backing down—we’re building up."
Looking Forward
With a veteran core, renewed coaching firepower, and a unified team culture, Mountain Ridge is preparing for more than just another season—they're preparing to make a statement.
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