Erie High football team looks to take next step as District 10 contender in 2023
The start of the 2023 District 10 football season is right around the corner. Visit GoErie.com throughout August for updated videos and photos from team camps. Here is one in a series of previews for all 39 D-10 teams:
Erie High Royals
Coach: Andre Henderson (3rd season, 4-16)
2022 record: 1-9 (0-2 Region 6)
2022 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 playoffs.
Assistant coaches: Danny Olson, Allen Jones, Terro Jackson, Daryl Joyce, Jeff Gibbons, Jon White, Troy Woodard, Maurice Goodwine, James Carson, Anthony Gates, Mike Darnell, Scott White
Getting back on track
One of the big things for Erie High this season is to get back on track as a District 10 contender. The Royals have won a D-10 Class 6A title in the past, but they haven't played for a D-10 title in several years. The first priority is winning a region game as Erie High is 0-5 in the past two years in region play. The Royals need to beat either Butler or McDowell to earn a spot in the D-10 Class 6A championship. It won't be easy for Erie High to get some consistency going as the Royals play just three home games at Veterans Stadium. They make two trips to Ohio this fall and two to New York, but all of that travel time could form some bonds as the Royals look to come together as a team by the end of the season.
On the road again: Which District 10 football teams will travel the most this fall?
Eisenhower: Can Eisenhower run to the District 10 Class 1A high school football championship in 2023?
Leaders needed
Erie High will need players to step up and lead the way this season with the departure of standouts Akil Dixon and Gus Campbell. The Royals bring back seven starters on offense and seven on defense. One potential leader is athlete Adrien Tate, who likely lines up at quarterback but can be utilized at several positions on offense. He is also a returning starter on defense. Another key player is Kaleb Nickson, who has quietly become one of the top linemen in the area. He is a solid tight end that can catch passes and lead the way as a blocker and is a quick defensive end as well.
Julian Harrington and Amare Hopkins are back on the offensive line, while Keon Somerville and Gio Crosby return at wide receiver and Amare Farmer at running back. Marcel Michael and Farmer are back at linebacker with Nyciere Smith, Cam Barnes and Somerville return in the secondary. Erie High has had a young roster over the past few years and that experience could pay off this fall.
More: Will experience pay off for the 2023 Harbor Creek High School football team?
Schedule
Aug. 25 at Euclid (Ohio) 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 at Shaw (Ohio) 1 p.m.
Sept. 9 at St. Joseph (N.Y.) 2 p.m.
Sept. 15 vs. McDowell* 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 at Butler* 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 at St. Francis (N.Y.) 2 p.m.
Oct. 6 vs. Lake Catholic (Ohio) 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 at Fort LeBoeuf 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 at Cathedral Prep* 7 p.m.
Oct. 27 vs. Canisius (N.Y.) 7 p.m.
*Region 6 game
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie High School football looks to compete for a District 10 title
