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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.