Northern Lebanon Viking Football – 2025 Season Outlook

Outlook written by Gavin Sweeney

Sweeney is local student-writer getting ready to enter his sophomore year of high school. An aspiring journalist, he has a passion for sports and is constantly working to hone his skills.

Below, you will find several pieces of information about the upcoming season for Northern Lebanon Football, including our Outlook, the Schedule, and the full Team Roster.

If you like this type of coverage, please let us know by Following us on social media: Twitter/X – @lebcosports1 and Facebook.

For any questions, comments, or discrepancies, please reach out to dan@lebcosports.com.

Lancaster Lebanon League – Section 4 (AAAA)

Head Coach: Jason Rice – 5th season

Top Returners: Andrew Stohler (Sr., OL/DL); Bryan Mitzel (Sr., QB/DB); Kael Erdman (Sr., RB/DB/LB); Matthew Chernich (Sr., OL/DL); Brady Ryan (Jr., WR/RB/DB); Bryce Yocum (Jr., LB/TE); Landon Copenhaver (So., WR/DB); Ryan Clemmer (So., WR/DB)

Emerging Game Changers: Christian Anspach (So., WR/DB); Johnny Hilton (So., WR/DB); Connor Wallish (Fr., OL/DL); Justin Bennethum (Fr., OL/DL); Ty Martin (Fr., WR/DB)

Key Losses: Myles Watson (Seton Hill), Brendan Ryan (Wilkes University), Hayden Adams, Eli Thompson, Russell Beers – 15 total seniors

2024 Results: 3-7

On the Radio: Northern Lebanon Viking Football can be heard on WLBR/Froggy Valley three times this season: A home game against Oxford on August 29th and then October 10th when they host Octorara. The Vikings will then be heard again when they host ELCO to finish the regular season on October 24th.  Click for the full radio schedule.

Northern Lebanon Football Season Outlook

Last season, the Vikings wrapped up their 2024 campaign with a 3-7 record, including 2-5 in conference play, marking their seventh consecutive losing season. On the surface, that might spark questions and a negative outlook heading into this year. But despite the record, they showed flashes of potential against strong opponents like Wyomissing, Twin Valley, Lampeter-Strasburg, and ELCO. Many of those flashes came from sophomores and juniors, who now return with another year of experience under their belts. The expectation is that the offseason has brought significant growth.

With experience also comes change. The Vikings graduated key seniors who provided leadership and mentorship. Among the losses are Eli Thompson (OL/DL, Alvernia), Brendan Ryan (WR/DB, Wilkes University), and Myles Watson (RB, Misericordia), along with three to four offensive linemen overall. These players were instrumental in guiding the team through last season’s challenges.

This year’s returning players remain underrated but hungry to prove themselves. Bryan Mitzel (QB/WR/DB), Brady Ryan (WR/DB), Kael Erdman (QB/RB/DB), Bryce Yocum (TE/LB), and versatile athlete Blake Burdick (QB/WR/DB) are determined to change the narrative and silence doubters.

At the Lebanon County Football Media Day, I had the privilege of interviewing Coach Rice and several players, who spoke about the relentless work put in both in the weight room and on the field. Their mindset is simple: put in the work and surprise opponents with new strategies and weapons.

Many players participated in the Millersville camp to sharpen their skills before the season while also starting the “revenge tour” in May, lifting three times a week. Erdman, Mitzel, Ryan, and Andrew Stoler (OL/DL) emphasized their goals of becoming stronger leaders, improving their games, and making a name for themselves and the program.

Their message to the public: “Don’t count us out, no matter what the game is. We’re gonna come to play and we’re going to try to win. Don’t take us lightly.”

One of the most exciting Vikings this year is Brady Ryan (WR/DB). Voted by his teammates as the player to watch this season, Ryan had a dynamic 2024 campaign. His tackling on defense and game-changing turnovers helped shape this year’s approach. Offensively, he posed a constant threat with big-play ability. What really set him apart, however, was his impact on special teams. Last season, Ryan returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, showcasing his ability to break tackles and change direction with speed. He also recorded a top individual performance in L-L League Week 9, posting 105 yards against Octorara. At season’s end, Ryan, then a sophomore, was honored as a First Team All-Lebanon County selection, both as a safety and a utility player. Expectations are high as he enters his junior year.

In the locker room, one of the sparks that fuels their energy comes from Matthew Chernich (OL/DL), who fires up the team with a booming speaker blasting rap music.

For his part, Coach Rice is focused on growing as a leader while teaching his players both the fundamentals of football and the mental toughness required throughout the season.

As he put it: “We’re gonna give it our all every single game… doesn’t matter the scoreboard, we’re gonna go out and play.”

This fall, the Northern Lebanon Vikings enter the season with motivation, resilience, and a clear mission: prove people wrong and put an end to their losing streak. This is not a team to be overlooked.

The Vikings open the season on August 22 at Pine Grove High under the Friday Night Lights at 7:00 PM.

2025 Northern Lebanon Football Schedule

8/22  @ Pine Grove 

8/29  vs Oxford#

8/30  vs Mechanicsburg

9/5    @ Delone Catholic

9/12   vs Wyomissing*

9/19   @ Donegal*

9/26   @ Twin Valley*

10/2    vs Lampeter-Strasburg*

10/10  vs Octorara*#

10/11   vs Gettysburg

10/17   @ Daniel Boone*

10/24   vs ELCO*#

• All games are slated for 7 pm unless otherwise noted

* Section 4 game

# Wilbur 99.7 FM Broadcast

2025 Northern Lebanon Football Roster