Cornell looks to get over hump in the 2024 season

CORAOPOLIS — It was a roller coaster ride of a season for Cornell in 2023 and as Ed Dawson enters into his 10th season at the helm, he looks to get his Raiders squad over the hump for a deep run into the playoffs after a disappointing end to the season last year.

Cornell took an experienced roster a season ago and made the most of its opportunity last season putting together an 8-3 record in a treacherous Black Hills Conference that featured PIAA State finalist Fort Cherry and conference powerhouse Bishop Canevin.

Despite the tough conference the Raiders went 5-2 record in league play.

More: Beaver County Times' 2024 High School football preview

However, Cornell fell to Rochester in a 20-19 heartbreaker in the first round of the Class A playoffs. This year the Raiders look to get over the hump, returning several key pieces in important positions.

Two key juniors back who made key contributions as sophomores are running back Khalil Johnson and Nick Bennett. The Raiders also return an experienced offensive line while also bringing back two of its linebackers for their senior seasons.

Cornell will have fill some important voids left from graduation losses. Quarterback CJ Jackson, defensive back Julian Cordice, wide receiver Devon Newton and defensive lineman Phil Barker all graduated this past season.

Cornell football preview quick glance

Head coach: Ed Dawson (10th season, 32-41)

2023 record: (8-3, 5-2 Black Hills Conference)

Top players lost: CJ Jackson, Julian Cordice, Devon Newton, Phil Barker

Top players returning: Khylil Johnson, Jamarcus Pierce, Logan Farbarcher, Nick Bennett, Mikey Keyes, Ashton Jones, Santana Lee

Offensive outlook: Even with the subtraction due to graduation and losing the team’s quarterback and wide receiver, Cornell still brings a solid offensive unit back for the 2024 season starting up front with the offensive line. The Raiders return almost all of its offensive line from a season ago with three of its key players returning all having played on the offensive line last season. Pair that with 1,000-yard rusher Khylil Johnson from a year ago and the team has a very solid offensive attack. Replacing Jackson will be difficult but with an already solid foundation in place with the offensive line and skill positions, Cornell should find success on the offensive side of the ball this season.

Defensive outlook: Just as the offense had its fair share of returners so did the defense as the team brought back several important pieces on the defensive side of the ball from a year ago. The Raiders bring back two of its top linebackers from last season who each look to make a major impact on the team this season. Although the team lost a talented defensive lineman in Phil Barker and Julian Cordice, the defense still has pieces on the roster to get the job done in 2024.

Classification : 1A

Last WPIAL playoff appearance: 2023

WPIAL titles: None

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Cornell looks to get over hump in the 2024 season