2023 Snapshot: Lebanon
- Updated: June 1, 2023
Lebanon DE Quentin Wagers (11)(photo by Srinivas Sankaranarayanan: Twitter: @Photo_Varsity)
Having a losing season is never fun especially when you were, “right there,” in so many games. Then having a year off to ponder what could have been only exacerbates the agony even more. That is where Lebanon stands heading into 2023. The Warriors are looking to conquer their downfalls.
Lebanon lost five games, by one, two, three, four and four points a year ago, in head coach Micah Faler’s first season at the helm. Four of the five teams – Springboro, Milford, Anderson and Kings were a combined 38-15 (.717 winning percentage). The team also withered down the stretch, falling three times in their last four outings. A minus-10 turnover ratio played a major role in that erosion.
Learning how to win is the biggest obstacle facing Lebanon in 2023. Closing out games and finishing strong will be points of emphasis this offseason for Faler and his staff. That all starts with the focus on being more consistent.
Despite playing sub .500 ball last fall, Lebanon still outscored its opponents and made a third straight playoff appearance. It is a foundation for which to build upon. The Warriors are close to being an upper echelon team in the ECC but still need to prove it on the field. It all comes down to heart and wanting it more for this squad.
Lebanon QB Luke Faler (photo from Twitter: @lukefaler7)
Division I, Region 4
2022 RECORD: 4-7, 4-5 ECC
COACH: Micah Faler (4-7 at Lebanon, one year; 4-7 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Quentin Wagers, Sr, DE – One of the best players you don’t know about in Southwest Ohio. Wagers was fantastic as a junior with 65 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, three games with three sacks, 21.0 tackles for losses and two forced fumbles. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound pass rusher was named OPSWA Division I Honorable Mention All-Ohio (DL) for his efforts.
Luke Berberich, Sr, LB – An excellent piece returning to the middle of the Warriors defense. Berberich tallied 89 total tackles, had two sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses on his way to Division I Second Team All-Southwest District honors as a junior. He has 130 total tackles in his career.
Ryan Miller, Sr, RT/P – The anchor of the offensive line and special teams weapon. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Miller was named Second Team All-ECC after helping Lebanon run for 218.1 yards per game, average 6.5 yards per carry and find the end zone 32 times on the ground last fall. He also averaged 36.0 yards on 17 punts, placing five inside the opponents 20-yard line and a had a long of 52-yards.
Tanner Smith, Sr, DT – Teams with Wagers to make what could be a very formidable d-line. Smith was a Second Team All-ECC selection as a junior after recording 68 total tackles, three sacks and eight tackles for losses.
Lebanon DT Tanner Smith (photo from Twitter: @Tanner45036)
Charlie Smith, Sr, MLB – A key member of one the Warriors strength’s, the linebacker unit. Smith was in on 78 total tackles, had three sacks and an interception on his way to Second Team All-ECC accolades in 2022.
Kyle Koch, Sr, WR – In a conference loaded with outstanding receivers, Koch holds his own with the best of them. He hauled in 41 receptions for 588 yards and reeled in seven of the Warriors eight receiving touchdowns, a year ago to earn an Honorable Mention All-ECC selection.
OTHER RETURNEES
Kaden Bender, Sr, RG – A returning starter on the o-line. Bender’s leadership will be counted on, up front.
Roddy Lukas, Sr, WR – Should be a more integral part of the offense this fall. Roddy had 15 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown as a junior. He also had 22 total tackles and an interception on defense.
Lebanon RB Alex Klein (photo from Twitter: @Lebanon_FBall)
NEWCOMERS
The offense will have some fresh faces with big upsides as juniors C Nolan Cummings, RB Alex Klein along with sophomore QB Luke Faler have the coaches very excited about their futures. Klein has run for 245 yards and two touchdowns in two years as letterman. Faler went 7-7 for 148 yards and two touchdowns passing in two games as a freshman. Junior LB Andy Rohrs has the tools to be a breakout performer for the Warriors defense.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(12 appearances, 11-11) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 (State Champion), 1997 (Regional Champion), 1988, 1980 (State Runner-up)
2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – at Springboro (8-4 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – MILFORD (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at Anderson (8-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Little Miami (4-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – LOVELAND (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – TURPIN (1-9)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at West Clermont (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – KINGS (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Walnut Hills (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – WINTON WOODS (12-1) – 7:00 PM
Tristate Football Podcast: 2023 ECC Preview
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