Sponsored by Lebanon Federal Credit Union & Wilbur 99.7 / Froggy Valley 100.1
Special thanks to Susan Dengler (Owlcatraz Photography) for lending her work to this article
If you enjoy 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.
Bryce Yocum
Under the Friday night lights of Week 2, Bryce Yocum delivered a gritty two-way performance that showed why he’s one of Northern Lebanon’s most important players. In the Vikings’ hard-fought 16-13 loss to Oxford, the junior caught four passes for 39 yards and a touchdown, including a fourth-quarter score from QB Bryan Mitzel that closed the gap and kept his team in contention. On defense, Yocum was relentless, racking up nine tackles, four tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries. His efforts were recognized by LebCoSports.com voters, who selected him as the male LebCo Athlete of the Week.
Yocum credited his performance to the work put in during the offseason. “I’m starting to see the hard work paying off from the offseason. We just need to start executing and finishing games as a team,” he said. His personal goals for the season reflect both his drive and his leadership: to be a presence on and off the field and to surpass 100 tackles on defense.
Leadership is something Yocum takes seriously, especially when it comes to pushing his teammates to new levels. “I’m trying to push people to become their absolute best and reach their full potential,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for the support behind his journey. “It is truly a blessing being able to play this game, and I’m so thankful for my parents who are my biggest supporters and help with so much.”
Northern Lebanon Head Coach Jason Rice praised Yocum’s consistency and toughness. “Bryce is a ‘show up to work with his lunch pail’ kind of guy. We know exactly what we are going to get from him each and every day, and that’s his best.”
Rice also reflected on Yocum’s growth within the Vikings’ program. “He’s been a presence in our linebacking unit since his freshman year and had the chance to learn from some serious talent like Luke Shaffer. But Bryce has been on a mission to make a name for himself and is quickly finding a seat among the great linebackers to come through Northern Lebanon.”
A true competitor, Yocum’s talents extend beyond football. On the basketball court, he contributes as a tough, physical player who can defend and rebound, while in track he continues to refine his athleticism and speed. These sports not only complement his football skill set but also show his versatility and dedication to competing year-round.
Though focused on his current season, Yocum has big goals for the future. He hopes to play football at the collegiate level while pursuing a career in engineering, following in the footsteps of his father, who played defensive end in college.
When he isn’t training, Yocum enjoys spending time with family and friends. He admits that what he enjoys most about competing is the bond between teammates and the life lessons that sports provide.
That bond and determination were on full display again in Week 3 against Delone Catholic, where Yocum turned in another standout performance despite a narrow loss. He caught two passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns, while also racking up 11 tackles (7 solo, 4 assists), three tackles for loss, and a sack. Performances like that keep him firmly on track toward his season goal of 100 tackles while proving he can impact a game on both sides of the ball.
With his work ethic, athletic versatility, and leadership, Bryce Yocum has firmly established himself as one of the anchors of Northern Lebanon’s football program. We congratulate him on being named LebCo Male Athlete of the Week and wish him and the Vikings the best as they continue their season.
Photos provided by Susan Dengler (Owlcatraz Photography)
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Chloe Shirk
Past Male LebCo Athletes of the Week
Devon Englehart (Week ending 8/24)
ProSeal
Penn Realty
