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.
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ELCO Raiders
ELCO is coming off a standout season, and it should have high expectations for 2024.
The Raiders lost some of their key talent from their 8-4 season a year ago but bring back 27 seniors to the program. That means with a 55-player roster, ELCO's seniors make up about half its group.
The Raiders' District 3 playoff run last year was short lived, as it lost to Twin Valley in the second round. With such a big senior class coming back, depth should help coach Robert Miller's team down the line in 2024.
On offense, ELCO will be led by senior quarterback Steven Rosado as one of the main returners from 2023's squad. Rosado only threw the ball about 50 times last season, but he made his mark on the ground with 283 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing three interceptions. Senior running back Mitchell Frederick will be a familiar face after compiling 253 yards on 53 carries last year, but the group doesn't bring much else back from 2023. ELCO's O-line will be crucial to the offense's success, as it'll need to make space for the backfield's new running mates.
The Raiders' defense should see some consistency, as it returns multiple linemen and defensive backs from last year's team. Following a 66-tackle season, junior Paul Williams will be on the D-line along with seniors Luke Bailey and Brady Stoops, who combined for 118 tackles. Williams and Stoop also brought seven combined sacks in 2023, so the defensive line should come in as one of the Raiders' most talented groups.
After losing running back Jake Williams to graduation, the biggest question for the team is who will lead the backfield? Williams' 2,400-plus yards and 30 touchdowns from 2023 won't be easy to replace — meaning it could take several playmakers to bring that production this year. The receivers weren't tested much last season, so the team would benefit from having a primary target for Rosado to throw to this year.
To begin 2024, the Raiders can get the ball rolling on Saturday morning against West York before a Week 2 Thursday night game at home. If ELCO can come out strong like last year's 4-0 start, the Raiders will be looking toward another potential playoff run.
Key returnees: Steven Rosado (Sr. QB), Mitchell Frederick (Sr. RB, LB), Phillip Horst (Sr. TE, DL), Paul Williams (Jr. DL), Luke Bailey (Sr. DL), Brady Stoops (Sr. DL), Tupac Vasquez-Disla (Sr. DL), Justin Smucker (Sr. DB), Griffin Kreider (So. DB)
Key losses: Jake Williams (RB), Elliott Krider (RB, LB), Jackson Conners (DB), Ira Gensamer (RB, DB, K), Sara Miller (WR), Lee Tobias (DB), Dawson Ocker (OL, DL)
Head coach: Robert Miller
Last season : 8-4
Offense : Veer
Defense : 5-2
Classification : 4A
Last District 3 appearance : 2023
Last District 3 playoff win : 2023
2024 ELCO football schedule:
Week 1 at West York ; Week 2 vs. Conrad Weiser ; Week 3 at Lancaster Catholic; Week 4 at Twin Valley; Week 5 vs. Wyomissing ; Week 6 at Daniel Boone ; Week 7 vs. Octorara Area ; Week 8 vs. Lampeter-Strasburg ; Week 9 at Donegal ; Week 10 vs. Northern Lebanon
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: 2024 football preview: ELCO's huge senior class hopes to replace 2023 production
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