Lehman High School Football Adopts Air Raid Offense for Upcoming 2025 Season

Lehman Campus High School (Bronx, N.Y.) head coach Joe Houghton is headed in a new direction this season–in the air, that is.

Houghton and his coaching staff have instituted an air raid offense, a scheme in which the quarterback flings the ball approximately 65–75 percent of time, perhaps even more, according to sources.

“We are going in a different direction offensively. We’re going to be more of an air raid-type of system,” Houghton explained. “Anybody in our offense who’s running a route will have an opportunity to catch the ball. We’re going to put up some video game-type numbers,” he predicted.

Moreover, Houghton said the Lions have a talented group that could get the job done.

First, there is rising senior Eagle Academy II transfer Daniel Johnson, and rising sophomore Marquis Davis, both of whom are competing for the starting job, Houghton noted. Plus, incoming freshman Lattee Crawford, who is likely to see action at the junior varsity level in order to gain more experience.

“As of now, either one (quarterback) can run the offense effectively,” he said.

Though looking to be a pass heavy offense, that does not mean the Long Island resident will completely abandon the ground attack, even though star running back Sameer Thomas, now at Division III SUNY Brockport, has graduated, he pointed out.

Houghton said his running backs are more of the power-type of guys, rather than pure speed players he had on the roster in the past.

“We don’t have the breakaway kid like we did last year like in Sameer, but we have guys who guys who can run in between tackles and are hard to bring down,” he said.

But he did go on to say, “I have no problem with running the ball 50 times a game. I have no problem throwing the ball 50 times a game. We’ll take what they (opposing defenses) give us.”

One running back that is sure to carry the ball a decent number of times is rising senior Yadier Torres, who also mans the middle linebacker position.

As far receivers go, Houghton said there are several targets ready to catch the rock when pressed into duty.

“If we’re going throw a lot, we need to have guys coming in and ready to run out and go get it,” the veteran coach said with conviction. “We have eight receivers who we can throw to.”

Two of those solid receivers are rising seniors Justin Arias and Kevin Moran.

Up front, Houghton said Lehman is returning its young offensive line, which should show a measure of improvement since it has a season of experience underneath its collective belts.

Defensively, the Lions will feature an in-your-face attack with a lot of speed, to boot.

“We’re going to be aggressive,” Houghton explained. “We want to go after the quarterback. We have nice speed, and we want to take advantage of it.”

One of Houghton’s defensive players he is looking upon to do special things is rising junior Malachi Husbands, a 200-pound-plus defensive end with hard-hitting ability and athletic prowess.

“He’s going to be a player,” he said. “We’re expecting big things from him. He’s physical, and athletic.”

Additionally, returning starters Torres (three-year starter), Moran and Arias will anchor the defensive secondary, Houghton noted.

While Lehman enjoyed a 6-2 regular season campaign, it lost to A. Philip Randolph in the first round of the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) 3A Conference playoffs.

That is something Houghton would like to rectify this upcoming season. He believes that the capabilities are there for the Lions, but they will have to bring their A game each and every week in order for that to happen, as the league is very competitive.

“Our goal is to be better than last year,” Houghton said. “Get further than the first round. I feel we have the talent to win a championship. But I feel any coach in the 3A can say they can win a championship. We’re going to be in a war for eight league games.

“I can’t wait,” he continued. “I’m fired up. I’m excited for these group of kids. I’m looking forward to see how this offense works.”

We will all find out, as Lehman will face off against host Clinton on Friday, September 5th, at 4:00 p.m. in non-league action.

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— Jerry Del Priore