Olympia Spartans eye state title with veteran backfield returning for fall campaign

Olympia Spartans football is set for a promising autumn after bringing back 16 starters from a playoff-bound squad that amassed more than 4,000 rushing yards last year. Senior running back Jimmy Lollar, who earned class 3A all-state honors, says the group is focused on winning a championship ring. Coach Eric Lyons will deploy a three-back system with Lollar, senior Brendon Hardiman and junior Kaden Collins to sustain the ground game.

On the line, senior Cael Halley, a former Southern Illinois University recruit, believes the team can dominate when all units click. The Spartans’ first test comes on Aug. 21 at Auburn, where they hope to start the campaign on a winning note and pursue a state title.