Grace Brethren Lancers: 2019 Division 3 Southern Section high school football preview
The big question: how will Grace Brethren replace Lontrelle Diggs, last year’s 2,500-yard rusher? Here's an inside look at the 2019 Lancers.
Links: Grace Brethren team page | 2019 schedule
2018 IN REVIEW
14-2 (4-0) Camino League champions, Division 4 Southern Section champions, Division 2-AA State champions
HEAD COACH
Josh Henderson is entering his 10th season as Grace Brethren's head coach.
TOP PLAYERS
Mikey Zele QB Jr. 6-0 180
Nate Bennett WR, FS Sr. 6-3 190
George Bowers IV WR, DB Sr. 5-11 165
Josh Henderson MLB, RB Sr. 6-2 215
Jay Toia G, DT Jr. 6-3 320
Payton Gourley C, WR Sr. 5-10 175
Soane Toia DT, DE Sr. 6-1 285
THREE TO SEE
Nate Bennett WR, FS
Bennett excels on both sides of the ball and he’s seen his recruitment pick up in recent months. Last season as a junior, Bennett caught 21 passes for 558 yards and five TDs. Defensively he made 2 interceptions, but he covered so well opposing QB’s rarely looked his way.
Josh Henderson MLB, RB
Henderson threw the game-winning TD pass in last year’s state championship win over Del Oro off a fake field goal. It will be tough to top that moment as a senior, but he could get the chance if he takes over as the main running back following the graduation of Lontrelle Diggs.
Jay Toia G, DT Jr
320-pound USC commit. Enough said.
OUTLOOK
Grace Brethren will be in the hunt for a second consecutive section title.
Their defense is loaded despite losing linebacker Stanley Taufoou to USC. Quarterback Mikey Zele is back on offense. His favorite target Nate Bennett is back too.
Here is the big question: how will the Lancers replace Lontrelle Diggs, last year’s 2,500-yard rusher?
So much of what Grace did was made possible by Diggs. He anchored slow, methodical drives that allowed the Lancer defense to rest. Having Diggs also took pressure off of Zele; he just needed to be a game manager in 2018.
Will Josh Henderson try and fill the void? Is there a younger player from the JV ranks who will play running back? Will Grace open up the playbook and let Zele throw more? We’ll soon find out.