BY JEFF FALK

MYERSTOWN – Sure it’s a novel concept. But imagine a world where, year in and year out, the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three football championship goes through Lebanon County.

It may be a world in which we are coming closer to realize.

But one gets the distinct impression that for that to actually occur, Elco must uphold its end of the bargain. The Raiders are approaching 2015 as, if they take care of their own business, things will play out exactly the way they are supposed to.

Optimism, sprinkled with liberal helpings of caution.

“Our goals are to contend for the section championship,” said head Raider Bob Miller, “and find ourselves playing in the 11th week of the season. But we also want to continue to build the character of our young men. This is the first time our guys know they can do it, that they believe they can do it. They’re taking it upon themselves.

“Northern Lebanon, Annville-Cleona and Donegal are always at the top of our section,” continued Miller. “This year, every team seems to be on the rise. We’ll have to wait and see.”

There are, of course, tangible and intangible reasons for optimism in Raider Land. The Raiders’ leadership will be better this season, as will the experience from which they have to draw from.

It’s a talented group. It’s a balanced group. It’s a better group, all the way around.

“It’s just that we have a quality group all-around, offensively, defensively, in the line, our skill people,” said Miller, in his fourth year at the helm. “This year we have guys back everywhere. In that, I think it’s our best group.

“Practice has been going very good,” added Miller. “Guys are starting to take pride in the program. A lot of guys are buying in, and doing the right things.”

Just like most things on a gridiron, Elco’s optimism revolves around the quarterback position. Senior signal-caller Jeff Martin, a 6-4, 225-pound, four-year starter who has the interest of college scouts, will pilot an offense that will be just as adept at running the ball as it is throwing it.

He is one of eight starters returning on offense, while seven regulars remain on the defensive side of the ball.

“Jeff Martin is better because he’s mentally processing the game quicker,” said Miller. “He understands the game better. The one thing we want to do is teach the game of football.

“His most telling stat is his touchdown-to-interception ratio,” Miller continued. “Last year it was 19-to-six, and three of those he knew were interceptions when the ball left his hand. He has, I feel, gotten better than that. He’s tough. He won’t force things. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll pull it down and run with it. He is a kid who can go on and play college football. I certainly think Jeff is capable of it. There is some interest. But he’s got to do a good job this year.”

But the Raiders want to run the ball first. And when Martin does hand the ball off he can choose between ‘Thunder or Lightning’ – junior bruiser Tyler Horst or senior game-breaker Travis Zimmerman.

Martin also has targets he can turn into weapons, most notably senior receivers Kory Brown and Luis Rolon. Fans will also hear the names ‘Kyle Knight’ and ‘Ryan Rolon’ called frequently this fall.

“I really like the core guys’ work ethic,” said Miller. “Right now, I really like the fact that they’re challenging the coaches. They’re asking questions. They’re very vested. They see we could have a very good team.

“What we need to do is tackle better,” Miller added. “We need to cut down on our mental mistakes on the offensive side of the ball, things like penalties and turnovers. We have to cut those out. We can’t get down on ourselves if we fall behind by a touchdown. We have to be mentally tough.”

The development of Elco’s offensive line isn’t far behind. The Raiders’ interior unit is anchored by captains Nate Hostetter, another four-year starter, Dylan Stoops and 6-2, 310-pound Colt Umberger.

“We’re starting to see football players come out for track,” said Miller, who heads the Elco track and field program in the spring. “I have guys coming up to me and saying they can see that they’re faster. They notice the difference. They see it. You have to be proud of your team and your school, if we’re going to build anything. Then, they buy in.

“Every year, we want to get better,” continued Miller. “We certainly have an idea where we were weak last year.”

Which brings us to 2014. Last season was one in which Elco went 4-6, suffered some frustrating losses and under-achieved a bit.

“I remember being in games and being over-matched at the end,” said Miller. “I remember not being deep enough. It was a lot of hard work, and falling short.”

Since taking over for Mark Evans in 2012, Elco’s numbers under Miller have been on the incline – from 28 to 30 to 32. This season, Miller is working with 39 players.

“Yeah, I’m happy with that,” said Miller. “I’ll take eleven as long as they work their butts off. But I don’t like the idea of going in cycles. I’d like to see more steady turnouts.

“Each year we’ve been building up,” Miller added, “and they’ve (his players) been drawing from their experience. This year, I feel like we’re a little further ahead than we were in the past.”

To purchase images in this article email jkfalk2005@yahoo.com, or to see more go to www.http://lebanonsportsbuzz.com/gallery-nine/.

2015 Elco Football Roster

Elco Football Schedule

September 2015