Robert E. Lee
Coach: Joe Musket (5th year)
1997 Record: 8-2, 6-1 in Liberty District
Analysis:
  Looking over his troops before the 1997 season, Muskett considered Lee's personnel best suited to run a triple-option attack.
   That worked out just fine in 1997 as Lee started 7-0 and cruised to its best record in five years. Even with main cogs Greg Middleton (842 yards passing, 600 yards rushing) and Jacques Bates (924 yards rushing, six touchdowns) graduated, Lee will continue to run the option.
   "We're going to stick with it Muskett said. "It has been good to us. We had great skill kids last year. Middleton and Bates made us go."
   After winning just one game in 1995, the Lancers finished 5-5 in 1996 before last year's break-through year.
   "There is a whole diffent attitude." Muskett said, "They believe in themselves now and they work hard."
   Lee will rely on holdover running back Omar Philmore, who rushed for more than 400 yards and scored seven touchdowns either rushing or receiving, and a new group of options on offense. Yonathaan Moges also will be in the backfield along with fullback Austin Ragans. Senior Sean Dunn is the starting quarterback, but Muskett said sophomore Eric Gurney and junior Ricky Gorham are still in the running for playing time.

   Guard Dave Nelson, tackle Ali Rahmani and tight end Tim Grant return on the O-line.
   On dense, only cornerback Philmore and linemen Grant and Ragans return. Ragans has moved to linebacker from end.
   Lee will have to finish stronger than it did last year, when it lost two of its final three games, to make its first playoff appearance since 1992. The Lancers finished  with McLean, Lake Braddock, Langley and Fairfax.
   "Our schedule is heavy loaded at the end and when an inexperienced group, we aren't looking any further than (Friday opponent) West Springfield right now," Muskett said.
Returning Starters
  TE/DE Tim Grant (6-1, 205) Sr.
  WR/DB Jason McLernon (6-0, 175) Sr.
  OL/D? David Nelson (6-5, 275) Sr.
  RB/DB Omar Philmore (6-0, 175) Sr.
  OL/DL Ali Rahmani (6-3, 210) Sr.
  FB/LB Austin Ragans (5-11, 195) Sr.
Other Key Players
  QB Sean Dunn (5-11, 185) Sr.
  C/LB Robert Freeman (6-1, 190) Jr.
  QB Ricky Gorham (6-0, 180) Jr.
  QB Eric Gurney (5-11, 170) So.
  RB Yonathan Moges (5-11, 190) Sr.
Did you know?
   Lee's 7-0 start last year was its best sonce 1974. The Lancers started 8-0 that year and advanced to the Northern Region final before losing 20-14 to Stuart.