2024 football preview: New staff, new look at Lebanon

Lebanon County begins its 2024 football campaign in a few days, and there's plenty of new storylines to watch for on each squad.

With each team's opening game set for Aug. 23, make sure to follow all coverage on LDNews.com through the season's first Friday night experience.

Building a 'player-led' culture: Tyler Pritchett navigating his first season as Lebanon's football coach

2024 football preview: Northern Lebanon's seniors could be difference makers

Lebanon Cedars

Following three consecutive winless seasons, a fresh staff in Lebanon is bringing a new look.

The Cedars are coming off of an 0-10 season and lost many starters from that cast. The upcoming year will serve as a chance for Lebanon's athletes to step up and pursue the squad's first win since 2020. Its newest head coach, Tyler Pritchett, has implemented a leadership committee for season captains so that his players earn the title.

Lebanon will need several players to replace production from last year, as it lost a large chunk of graduating seniors. The Cedars have an important duo returning to its backfield in 2024, as quarterback Brandyn Castro and running back Kai Rivera look toward their senior campaigns.

After losing over a dozen starters from 2023, Lebanon will have plenty of new faces on the field this year. That leaves chances for younger athletes to gain playing time through the season, and for some to play both sides of the ball plus special teams.

With a new system, the question for the Cedars will come down to the line of scrimmage. Pritchett was a longtime O-lineman, so the team will have an added focus on the line. If Pritchett's offense can block for the 5-foot-11, 215-pound Rivera, Lebanon will have an identity behind its running game. Defensively, the Cedars can stay in far more games if they control the line of scrimmage well.

Lebanon will see Friday night lights all year until the team's annual Cedar Bowl, which falls on a Thursday night. As the season begins rolling, there will be plenty of energy around the Cedars while they establish an identity.

Key returnees: Brandyn Castro (Sr. QB), Kai Rivera (Sr. RB, LB), Camron Buchmoyer (Jr. LB), Juan Rivera (Jr. WR, DB)

Key losses: Braylon Beaver (WR, DB), Corbett Brickle (OL, DL), Derrick Briddell (WR, DB), Cayden Clentimack (OL, DL), Mahkye Cortes (OL, DL), Aidan Fernandez (RB, LB), Jack Herr (DB), Derek Infante Jr. (WR, DB, K), Colin Johnsen (OL), Paul Trace (QB, WR, DB), Josiah Wright (OL, DL)

Head coach: Tyler Pritchett (1st season)

Last season : 0-10

Offense : Multiple

Defense : 4-3

Classification : 6A

Last District 3 appearance : 2013

Last District 3 playoff win : N/A

2024 Lebanon football schedule:

Week 1 at Palmyra ; Week 2 at Garden Spot ; Week 3 vs. Conrad Weiser ; Week 4 at Muhlenberg ; Week 5 vs. Exeter Township ; Week 6 at Conestoga Valley ; Week 7 vs. Elizabethtown ; Week 8 at Governor Mifflin ; Week 9 vs. Ephrata ; Week 10 vs. Cedar Crest

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: 2024 football preview: New staff, new look at Lebanon