The Lehman Lions are preparing to start the football season minus some key players, but the coach is optimistic.

The Lions went 9-0 in the regular season last year and made it to the PSAL Championship, but lost to Fort Hamilton. The team also lost some star players. Head Coach Carmine Colasanto says he?s trying to be patient so he can fill out his roster with the right players. Colasanto believes other teammates will step up and take the lead.

Those players include wide receiver Marquis Palmer-Garcia and running back Tommy Hampton.