DUBLIN — There was a positive to look forward to after last year’s 1-8 record that saw the Dublin Lions miss the playoffs. DHS was a very young team that would return the bulk of its size and talent next season, so the only direction to go was up. 

That moment has arrived with the onset of the 2021 campaign, with eight offensive and six defensive starters back under new coach Greg Hardcastle — a long-time assistant under Bob Cervetto, who retired following last season.