The hard work put into M.L. King’s summer two-a-day practices was finally put to the test, as the Lions football team faced Southwest DeKalb on Friday night. The team started the season off right by defeating the Panthers 21-12. To make up for the experience lost to graduation last year, head coach Corey Jarvis focused on strengthening the team’s skills. The 2008 team will face North Cobb and Greenbrier in non-region matchups, schools the team has never met before. Just like the Lions did in ‘07, North Cobb also completed an undefeated regular season last year. … M.L. King’s other fall sports hope to have breakthrough seasons this year as well. The volleyball team will also face heavy lineup changes this fall. The girls fell to Newton and Union Grove last weekend on the road. The team is off until Saturday when they do battle at home with Northside-Warner Robins and Warner Robins.