Dublin doesn’t have a big senior class to lean on.

But what the Lions do have is a strong junior class that gained plenty of experience during last year’s 1-9 record when they were sophomores.

“We’ve got a good core group that gained a lot of experience, and now that they’re juniors, they’re a little more mature,” Dublin coach Greg Hardcastle said. “I feel like it’s going to help us in the long run. Another year in the weight room plus being experienced and comfortable in our system.”

Among the veteran juniors is Joe Salinas, who is Dublin’s leading returning rusher with 380 yards and six touchdowns. Jayden Balvantin is a talented lineman who can play anywhere up front, while Kyler Gaitan and Hudsen Joslin are versatile skill players.