LEL Football Preview
The 2019 Football Season has begun for the 6 Lake Erie League Schools and they are all anxious to be playing on Friday Night to see who will claim the LEL Crown. With two new head coaches in the League (Charles Saulter for Bedford and Romie Graham for Warrensville Heights), the 2019 Season looks to be an exciting one for Northeast Ohio Fans. Below is a Preview for the 2019 Season:
Maple Heights High School (5-0 in League and 12-1 Overall) Coached by Shaq Washington:
Having been defeated by Archbishop Hoban in the Regional Finals of the 2018 OHSAA Football Playoffs, the Mustangs of Maple Heights are looking to continue their success. Maple Heights returns three key starters in Chrisean Merritt (DE), Corey Brown (WR/DB), Delonte Hall (WR/DB). These three gentlemen and the rest of the Mustangs will look to compete at the highest level each and every game. Key Games for the 2019 Season:
- Padua Franciscan High School (9/13)
- Garfield Heights High School (9/27)
- Lorain High School (10/18)
- Cleveland Heights (11/1)
Cleveland Heights High School (4-1 in League and 7-3 Overall) Coached by Mac Stephens:
Playing in Division I, Region 1 part of the state, the Tigers are looking to make the Playoffs for the first time since 2016. In order to do that, Head Coach Mac Stephens says that they team needs stay healthy and be great on the special teams aspect. Cleveland Heights returns starters in Justin Wodtly (DE/FB), Cullen Martin (OT), Daonte Dancy (OT), Shemar Turner (WR), Jalen Benson (LB/RB), Delroy Richards (LB), Adonis Williams (FS). Key Game for the 2019 Season:
- Lorain High School (10/4)
Lorain High School (3-2 in League and 6-4 Overall) Coached by Dave McFarland:
Lorain having missed the playoffs in 2018 will be looking to rebound and they will be returning 9 starters for the Titans. Those Starters are Savon Chavis (LB/RB), Tyshawn Lighty (WR/DB), Daylin Dower (RB/DB), Jordan Jackson (QB), Devante Jackson (RB/DB/QB), Jacob Addis (C), Javon Manning (DB/WR), Marc Rodriquez (K), Jalen Cheers (LB/RB). Coach McFarland says that in order for the team to have success it will all depend on the Offensive and Defensive Lines to lead them to Victory. Key Games for the 2019 Season:
- Avon (9/6)
- Cleveland Heights (10/4)
Warrensville Heights High School (2-3 in League and 4-6 Overall) Coached by Romie Graham
The Tigers of Warrensville Heights have 4 returning starters to lead them into the 2019 Season. Those Starters are DeAngelo Bell (ATH), Jerome Lee Jr (RB/LB), Elijah Gordon (WR/DB), Khali Cochran (DL/LB) and with these starters mentioned above Coach Graham feels very confident about this season. He mentioned that doing the little things right and trusting the process will be huge factors for this season. Key Games for the 2019 Season:
- Maple Heights (10/25)
- Bedford (11/1)
Shaw High School (1-4 in League and 3-7 Overall) Coached by Rodney Brown
Coach Brown will be leading Shaw High School in the 2019 Season with his main focus is to have everyone playing together as a Team of One. In order for him to accomplish this focus he will be relying on his 4 returning starters in Dion Shelton (WR, DE), Cincere Sowell (TB, CB), Eddie Brent (TB, LB), Taiyun Hollowell (QB, LB). Key Games for 2019 Season:
- Warrensville Heights (10/4)
- Cleveland Heights (10/25)
Bedford High School (0-5 in League and 1-9 Overall) Coached by Charles Saulter
First Year Head Coach Charles Saulter will be anxious to play on Friday Nights and return the Bedford Bearcats to Glory. The Bearcats are returning 7 Starters in Andre Bethea (WR/RB), Verterio Smith- Lowry (WR), Jashawn Callaway (SS), Devin Hebbitt (LB), Chaz Hunter (LB), Romello Thompkins (OL), Ramell Hester (QB/DB). Along with these starters, Coach Saulter says that the team must be physical, fast and hungry. Key Games for 2019 Season:
- Nordonia (8/30)