An upbeat vibe and high enthusiasm surround the Belleville East football team as the start of the 2024 season nears.
Despite graduating 33 seniors from a year ago, East, which has gone to the Class 8A playoffs back-to-back seasons, returns a talented and experienced group that is intent on making another big run this fall.
“Our long-term goal is just like everybody else,” Belleville East coach Michael Harrison said. “We want to compete for the (Southwester Conference) championship, we want to make a deep playoff run and we feel like we’ve made those strides so far and now we’ve got to continue on that path.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Lancers will look to senior wideouts Kiethen Jones and Xavien Moody to provide big plays through the air.
“They played a bunch last year and we’re going to rely heavily on those two guys on the offensive side of the ball,” Harrison said.
Junior Jaedon Beamon is back and will carry the load in the running back position after being the third-down back last season.
“This will be his first year as the starter and carrying the load for us,” Harrison said.
Sophomore Kingston Jones and junior transfer Caiden Wood are vying for the quarterback spot.
On defense, the Lancers will lean on an experienced defensive line which will be the strength of the team.
Senior defensive tackle Jonathan Rulo, who’s been recruited by NCAA Division I-BCS programs, anchors the middle of the line, along with senior linemen Noah Peters, and Caleb Israel. That group will be active against the run and look to generate a strong pass rush.
“We’ll rely heavily on those guys,” Harrison said.
Senior outside linebacker Jacori Brown, another D-1 recruit., will also be a big factor in the defense, lining up at a variety of spots and trying to disrupt opposing offenses with his speed rush on the outside.
“Everybody sees him, he’s 6-6 and long and athletic, so everybody sees the big kid and then he starts making plays, so we’ll see what he does this year for us,” Harrison said. “He’ll be lining up everywhere and attacking the quarterback.”
In the secondary, senior Lonzell Spells is slated to start at the cornerback spot while sophomore Jordan Williams will man the free safety position. Both played significant snaps in the regular and postseason last year.
East went 8-3 last year and advanced to the second round of the IHSA 8A playoffs. Harrison believes the Lancers can go further this season.
“Hopefully we go further than the second round. It’s going to take a consistent level of play and consistent level of physicality that you have to play with in the Southwestern Conference and the 8A level of football,” he said. “So for us we’ve got make sure we’re consistent week in, week out.”
Belleville East kicks off the season Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at Collinsville.
Belleville East Schedule
Aug. 30 - at Collinsville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 - PEKIN, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 - at Althoff , 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 - EAST ST. LOUIS, 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 - at Alton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 - O’FALLON, 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 - at Edwardsville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 - BELLEVILLE WEST, 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 - GRANITE CITY, 7 p.m.
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