Just the facts
Conference: Southwestern Conference
Coach: Brian Fox, first year
2022: 5-6 (3-4)
OHSAA: Division I, Region 1
Twitter: @ElyriaAthletics
Home field: Mercy Health Field at Ely Stadium
Schedule
(subject to change)
Aug. 18: Cincinnati Princeton at Elyria, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25: Elyria at Lorain, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: Elyria at Akron East, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: Avon at Elyria, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: Elyria at Olmsted Falls, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: North Ridgeville at Elyria, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: Elyria at Avon Lake, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: Amherst at Elyria, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: Elyria at Midview, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: Elyria at Berea-Midpark, 7 p.m.
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Justin Godbolt, Jr., 6-0, 170
RB: Kevin Jordan, Jr., 6-1, 200
WR: Steven Gilbert, Jr., 5-10, 170
WR: Andre Lucky, Sr., 6-1, 175
WR: Larico Baker, Sr., 5-9, 160
WR: Steve Maiher, Jr., 6-1, 175
TE: Teo Perez, Jr., 6-2, 210
LT: De’von Johnson*, Sr., 6-4, 280
LG: Mike Alvarez Jr., 6-0, 285
C: Jamil Abernathy, Sr., 6-0, 280
RG: Zyon Newson*, Jr., 6-4, 275
RT: Jackson Goodspeed, So., 6-4, 300
K: Tim Rader*, Sr., 6-0, 160
DEFENSE
DL: Braylon Riase*, Jr., 6-2, 215
DT: Kemarion Wimberly, Jr., 5-10, 220
DT: Zyon Newson, Jr., 6-4, 275
LB: BJ Todd, Jr., 6-3, 230
LB: Adrien Williams*, Sr., 6-1, 200
LB: Terrell Calhoun, Jr., 5-9, 185
LB: Zavier Stephens, Jr., 5-9, 185
DB: Kayden Daniels*, Sr., 5-10, 165
DB: Danjalo Childress, Sr., 6-1, 175
DB: Laron Anderson*, Jr., 5-10, 170
DB: Xavier Church, Sr., 6-2, 190
P: Tim Rader, Sr., 6-0, 160
*: returning starter; Returning letterwinners: 8
Key reserves: Will Woodrum, Sr., 6-0, 250; Jaziher Flowers, Sr., 6-4, 300; Jaden Norris, Sr., 6-3, 220
Best in the classroom: Teo Perez, 4.3 GPA
Best bench press: Kevin Jordan, 315 pounds
Best squat: Kemarion Wimberly, 450 pounds
Best 40 time: Larico Baker, 4.5 seconds
Outlook
Elyria has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball; athleticism won’t be an issue. The Pioneers got back on track last year as a program with a 5-6 record, and now Brian Fox comes over from Elyria Catholic to take over as coach. In his first season, the team looks to continue on the upward trajectory.
Player to watch
Zyon Newson will lock down the trenches on both sides of the ball for Elyria, and he’s getting Division I looks for a reason. Only a junior, he will be a force to be reckoned with as he progresses.
Underclassmen to watch: Elyria has a lot of weapons to watch out for this season, and BJ Todd is a player whose athleticism will be hard to match. He brings a lot of upside on defense and can also line out at wide receiver. With a roster full of versatile players, the junior stands out.
Bottom line
IF: The players can continue building chemistry, THEN: Elyria will be a tough out for every opponent on the schedule.
