We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Berrien High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Rebels this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 2-7
- Points Scored: 160
- Points Allowed: 312
Key Losses
One of Berrien High School’s all-time great players has moved on, and it’s safe to say Josiah Davis will be missed. The all-around athlete made an impact for the Rebels during his career, playing everywhere he was needed, including at quarterback last season.
Davis was one of the state’s top kick returners in 2022, returning seven kickoffs for a touchdown. In 2023 teams decided to not kick to him.
Davis is now a safety with the Florida Gators.
Other key members of Berrien’s football program who will not be back in 2024 are offensive lineman Brady Warren, wide receiver Zachary Davis, and linebacker Carlos Velazquez.
Who’s Back
Returning to the Berrien offense are offensive linemen Nathan Scheller and Lawson Webber. Together they will pave the way for returning running back Tre’Shon McQueen, a junior who will also return kicks again this season.
The defense will be bolstered by the return of several key starters from last year, including senior defensive lineman Shon McQueen, who had 22 tackles and a forced fumble last year.
Linebacker and long snapper Tanner Beau Lindsey will be back.
Defensive backs Nijel Johnson and Randy Hughes were both impact players in 2023, and they return for the 2024 season.
Johnson also played at running back and returned kicks last season. He had 28 tackles along with a kickoff returned for a TD and a rushing TD.
Hughes had 44 tackles and came up big with four interceptions in the Berrien secondary in 2023.
What to Expect
Ken Eldridge will be back for his second season as the head coach in Nashville, Georgia, and he’s implementing a new-look offensive scheme that he hopes will improve the Rebels’ 17 points per game average from a year ago.
Eldridge is approaching the season with guarded optimism.
“There are holes to fill and questions to be answered,” Eldridge said. “A lot of young players that finished the season with significant playing time are returning and will be expected to step up in our new offensive system.”
Eldridge said the team has benefited from the strength and conditioning program this offseason, and he expects that to translate to a more physical brand of football in 2024.
“We want to play with more excitement, and our expectation is to be more physical this year,” he said.
Prediction
Look for an improved Berrien team in 2024 as the Rebels finish 5-5 in a tough new region.
Game to Watch
Aug. 23 against Lanier County
