Before They Can Become a Village, Raiders Must First Be Warriors

7 years ago
Before They Can Become a Village, Raiders Must First Be Warriors

Elco Will Open Its 2017 Campaign on Friday, September 1st at Home against Susquenita. ♦

Aug 17, 2017
Jeff Falk
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BY JEFF FALK

MYERSTOWN – Youth is curious.

Youth is enthusiastic.

Youth is innocent.

Youth is trusting.

Youth is energetic.

Youth wants to be accepted.

Youth is creative.

Youth isn’t afraid to make mistakes.

Youth is resilient.

Youth is our future.

And this year for the Elco football program, youth will be served.

As we speak, Elco is embracing an enormous opportunity. The Raiders are attempting to influence youth in a positive manner that may or may not include winning football games.

In preparation for the upcoming fall season, the Raiders are currently working with 40 somewhat inexperienced competitors. Of that number, only eight are seniors, meaning Elco’s learning curve this year could be steep.

But what a great chance to extend the class room.

“That just shows how young we are,” said Elco head coach Bob Miller. “They (his players) can expedite the process by watching film, taking on responsibility and practicing at game speed. I’ll go as fast as they can pick it up. Last year our lack of depth forced our hand on defense. This year, everybody’s new. We don’t have the studs we had last year.

“I’m pleased with the effort we’re getting in practice,” continued Miller. “I’m pleased with the kids who are competing for reps. We don’t have a big senior class, but our roster is bigger.”

Last season, with a more seasoned group, the Raiders only managed a .500, 5-5 campaign. So despite the fact that Elco returns only three starters on offense and three on defense, it seems the wins and losses will take care of themselves.

“I remember strong senior leadership and having great kids,” said Miller, who’s in his sixth season in Myerstown. “We asked those kids to compete every single quarter, and last year was a great example of them doing that. They fought every game. That’s how it unfolded – play every down.

“It has a huge effect on this year because those kids taught these kids,” added Miller. “There’s carry-over from what those kids built. We had two straight years of losing 15 seniors. This year, going in, we had six kids from last year’s roster. We have to figure out what we can do.”

As the Raiders seek to reinvent their identity, they’ll rely on the guys up front to show the way. With Travis Weaver, John Bopp, Dalton Risser and Mike Reed, Elco has the makings of a solid and steady front wall.

Elco’s skill people will be led by Braden Bohanon, Darian Ulrich, Jeff Lorah and Caden Walters.

“Up front is key for us. It’s critical to our success,” said Miller. “I feel really good about the progress overall. We feel good about how our kids are picking things up. I’m seeing that now. Although they haven’t had a lot of game experience, I’ve seen a lot of progress.”

Flip the ball to the defensive side and Weaver, Bopp, Risser and Reed, along with Sam Montijo, will be counted on in a similar fashion. They will be expected to take occupy blockers and make plays, as will Erik Williams, Ethan Kissinger and Hunter Hockley.

“I’d like to see them compete, just like last year, every single day, every single game,” said Miller. “That’s asking a lot because we are so young. I’d like to make this experience great so they return next year.”

Relatively speaking, Elco’s turnout of 40 student-athletes is a fairly respectable one. But Miller is emphasizing quality over quantity.

“That’s great,” said Miller of his numbers. “We finished my first season with 24 kids. Considering we lost those two big senior classes, that’s great. But we want 40 guys who are going to work.”

This current year will mark Elco’s 49th season of competing in football. Under Miller, the Raiders have compiled an overall mark of 24-26.

“I see it as in good shape,” said Miller of the program. “There’s a bit more excitement behind it. We’re competing. We’re getting everything from these kids, because they’re giving everything they’ve got.”

To purchase images in this article email jkfalk2005@yahoo.com, or to view more go to https://lebanonsportsbuzz.com/photo-gallery/.

2017 Elco Football Schedule

DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
09/01	Susquenita	7:00 PM	Elco High School
09/08	@Palmyra	7:00 PM	Palmyra High School
09/15	Fleetwood	7:00 PM	Elco High School
09/22 *	@Annville-Cleona	7:00 PM	Annville-Cleona High School
09/29 *	Donegal	7:00 PM	Elco High School
10/06 *	@Lancaster Catholic	7:00 PM	Elco High School
10/13 *	@Columbia	7:00 PM	Columbia High School
10/20 *	Northern Lebanon	7:00 PM	Northern Lebanon High School
10/27	Muhlenberg	7:00 PM	Elco High School
11/03 *	Pequea Valley	7:00 PM	Elco High School