We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Lake Brantley High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Patriots this season.
2023 Stats
Overall Record: 1-9
Points Scored: 203
Points Allowed: 361
Key Losses
The Patriots were hit hard by the loss of key players from the 2023 team, including all four of their top running backs from the Patriots’ run-heavy option offense.
“We have to replace all four backs from last season,” head coach Skip Clayton said.
That includes leading rusher Tavin Hebert, who rushed for 1,550 yards and 17 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Alexander Catano, who rushed for 462 yards and six TDs last season, is another key piece of the offense not returning. Catano’s loss will be felt on the defense too, as the two-way standout had 69 career tackles from his linebacker spot.
AJ Eger is a defensive end whose production will be missed, as he had 3 ½ sacks over the last two seasons.
Who’s Back
Clayton said the Patriots welcome back their top returning starter from last season in Trent Greenstreet. The senior will line up at nose guard on defense and will also play running back this season.
Senior Micheal “MJ” Mitchell returns to his safety position on defense, where he has 88 tackles and two interceptions over the last two seasons. He’ll also be expected to play as an athlete on offense.
“We will play him (Mitchell) wherever we need him, really,” Clayton said.
Defensive back Daniel Swanson, who had 26 tackles last year and only saw time on defense, will also play at wide receiver this year.
Matt Krause returns to his tight end spot for the 2024 season.
What to Expect
Clayton enters his third season as Lake Brantley’s head coach, although he has been part of the program since 2003. Clayton said that his team will be young and fairly inexperienced at spots, especially in the run game.
“We don’t return one rushing yard from last season,” Clayton said about the lack of experience in the offensive backfield.
That’s especially tough for an option team that likes to run the ball the majority of the time.
“We will be young too,” Clayton said.
The team will look to sophomore Cody East to assume duties at quarterback this year.
Despite the losses and the inexperience at key areas, the Patriots looked pretty solid in their spring jamboree, Clayton said.
“We played well against Lake Howell, who we played a half against,” Clayton said. “But in the other half we played Lake Mary with a lot of our younger guys and non-starters, and we didn’t fare as well.”
Prediction
Despite the uphill battle facing Clayton and his staff of assistant coaches in 2024, look for a scrappy Lake Brantley squad to finish with a 4-6 record.
Game to Watch
Week 2 matchup at Oviedo on Sept. 6
