Northern Lebanon Viking Football – 2024 Season Outlook

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.

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Lancaster Lebanon League – Section 4 (AA)

Head Coach: Jason Rice – 4th season

Top Returners: Hayden Adams (Sr., OL/LB/DL); Eli Thompson (Sr., OL/DL); Russell Beers (Sr., OL/DL); Myles Watson (Sr., RB/DB); Kael Erdman (Jr., QB/DB); Bryan Mitzel (Jr.; WR/QB/DB); Brendan Ryan (Sr.,  WR/DB); Brady Ryan (So., WR/DB); Bryce Yocum (So., TE/LB); Jack Kleisath (So., RB/TE/LB)

Key Losses: Luke Shaffer (Clarion University; LB/TE); Tanner Feagley (DB); Moises Gonzalez (RB/LB); Kyle Hitz (OL)

2023 Results: 4-6

On the Radio: Northern Lebanon Viking Football can be heard on WLBR/Froggy Valley twice this season: A home game against Donegal on September 20th and then on the road to finish up the season on October 25th when they renew the county rivalry with ELCO. Click for the full radio schedule.

Northern Lebanon Football Season Outlook

Last season, the Vikings played inspired football as they remained in the playoff hunt until the final weeks of the season. They will now make the move from Section 5 to the hyper-competitive Section 4, which showcases powerhouse programs like Wyomissing, Twin Valley, Lampeter-Strasburg, and, of course, ELCO. On top of that, Northern Lebanon has lost some key talent since last year, including All-State linebacker Luke Shaffer and fellow linebacker Moises Gonzalez, who was a team leader and was also featured in the running back position.

That said, all is not lost as Coach Jason Rice’s team returns seven starters on each side of the ball. This list of experienced players includes four offensive linemen who will protect junior QB Kael Erdman and clear the way for senior running back Myles Watson. The speedster Watson was the primary back during last year’s Week 9 matchup against Hamburg, a game in which he ended with 244 yards and 5 touchdowns. Erdman will also have weapons downfield in the form of Bryan Mitzel, Brendan Ryan, and Brady Ryan at the wide receiver position, each having the chance to create issues for opposing defenses.

On the defensive side of the ball, look for senior Hayden Adams to use his size and strength to control the line of scrimmage while the experienced secondary looks to slow the opposition’s air attack. Sophomore Jack Kleisath will work to fill the hole left behind at the linebacker position.

While the schedule may be somewhat intimidating for the Section 4 newcomers, look for the Vikings to go out there and play their game. Coach Rice will look for a stripped-down style of play that he described as “No overthinking, no over-analyzing.” This also includes making sure they are hitting hard on every play. He went on to say that the goal will be to “Just go play ball and have fun along the way.” If they can do that, the Vikings could thrive in the challenging environment.

The first test comes on Friday night when Northern Lebanon will host Pine Grove. Last year, the Vikings lost an overtime thriller to the Cardinals. In 2024, look for a different outcome that will be used as a foundation for better things ahead.

2024 Northern Lebanon Football Schedule

8/23       v Pine Grove  7:00 PM

8/30       @ Oxford   7:00 PM

9/6          v Delone Catholic  7:00 PM

9/14       @ Wyomissing*  1:30 PM

9/20       v Donegal*  7:00 PM

9/27       v Twin Valley*  7:00 PM

10/3       @ Lampeter-Strasburg*  7:00 PM

10/11      @ Octorara*  7:00 PM

10/18      v Daniel Boone*  7:00 PM

10/25     @ ELCO*  7:00 PM

* Section 4 game

2024 Northern Lebanon Football Roster

Photo Credit: Susan Dengler

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