One of the major aspects that could make or break this season for the Luella baseball team is up-the-middle defense.

The Lions made the Class AAAAA quarterfinals last season, but lost their starting catcher, shortstop and second baseman.

Head coach Andy Cooper said finding replacements for shortstop Julius Gaines, second baseman Darius Jennings and catcher Derek Boggess will be crucial.

“How we fill those positions will be important for our season,” Cooper said.

Cooper said sophomore John Goodman is in line to take over for Gaines, who is playing at Florida International University this season, at short. Gaines was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, but decided to go to college instead.

Cooper said there is a three-way competition brewing for the open second base job and a two-way battle for catcher.

“That is one of the joys of coaching high school baseball, you always have guys coming in to fill roles,” Cooper said. “You hope that those guys competing for the job will push each other to be better players.”

Cooper said the strength of the Lions (1-0) this season should start on the pitching mound again.

“We have one of the deepest pitching staffs we have had in a while,” Cooper said. “We have basically the entire staff back from last season.”

Cooper has a trio of left-handed starters in seniors Vincent Jackson, Matt Kelley and Kendal Hill.

Jackson, who signed with the University of Tennessee on National Signing Day Feb. 1, leads the pack on the mound.

In the bullpen, Luella has a stable of juniors in Damion Fondren, Goodman, Michael Dike and Cody Martin.

Cooper said he will look for leadership from Jackson and senior third baseman Chase Scott this season.

“Chase has had two real good seasons and he needs to be a leader for us,” Cooper said.

Cooper said the goal for this season is simple.

“We want to win the region and see how far we can get in the state playoffs,” he said. “Winning the region will be a challenge, but it is a realistic goal for this team this year. I am excited to see what this group of seniors is going to do.”