The Brownwood Lions kick off their second campaign under the tutelage of head coach Jeryl Brixey on Monday, preparing for a journey that finds the program in Region IV of Class 4A Division II - both a region and classification in which Brownwood has never competed.

District 13-4A Division II action doesn't begin until October, however, and the Lions have plenty to focus on between now and the start of league play - including two scrimmages and a five-game pre-district slate that features five ranked foes and a 7-on-7 state championship squad.

"You're always nervous right now because football is such a numbers game," Brixey said.