5A/4A Countdown: Jump in Classification Doesn’t Have No. 10 Lindale Down

It didn’t come as a surprise to anyone when the Lindale Eagles were shipped back up to Class 4A in February. Lindale has been teetering on the borderline of 3A and 4A for the past 20 years.

In fact, since 1990 Lindale has gone back and forth in classification eight times. So it’s not like the Eagles are totally unprepared for the move.

“I do feel that it helps that we’ve been 4A before and have had success,” Eagles coach Mike Meador said earlier this summer. “I’m excited about the challenge we have before us and I know our kids will step up and play.”

Lindale graduated quarterback Clay Price, who led his team to an 18-6 record the past two seasons. Meador plans on converting receiver Josiah Johnson in order to fill the void left behind.

Picking up Johnson’s slack in the receiving corps will be Josh Anderson, who transferred from Southlake Carroll.

Returning to the backfield is running back Trey Acy, who ran for 1,578 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2011. Demarcus Lynch will also see carries after a productive season a year ago.

And as always, the Eagles are big up front. Junior offensive linemen Justin Young (6-3, 265) and D.J. Williams (6-3, 265) will be hard to push around.

Defensively, Lindale will count on its guys in the middle -- nose guard Adam Galaz and linebackers Lance Kane and Lane Walters.

Lindale figures to be competitive in 16-4A. John Tyler and Corsicana each advanced to the state semifinals last year, but the rest of the district combined to go just 10-21.