Lewis 2025 Preview

After a season where Lewis had an All-State punter and two All-Region players, but still fell short of their team goals, the Lancers are using that experience to reshape their identity. Head coach Larry Choates reflected on what that 2023 group meant—not just for their talent, but because they were the first class to spend all four years in the program. The takeaway? It’s time to emphasize team success and build something that lasts beyond individuals.

This offseason, the energy has shifted. Lewis has made strides in the weight room, seen rising numbers in its youth pipeline through the “Rising Lancers” program at Key Middle, and even brought back former players to join the coaching staff. According to Coach Choates, the team’s culture is growing around core values like commitment, trust, and respect—something they’ve been deliberate about developing.

The 2024 season marks the start of a new two-year schedule. Lewis will face Alexandria City and Wakefield in non-district matchups and continue playing Park View and Jefferson, alongside their National District rivals. It’s a competitive slate, but one that Coach Choates sees as an opportunity.

There are some big holes to fill from last year’s squad. Lewis graduated All-State punter Wilson Sanchez, All-Region linebacker Laith Sbitan—who recorded 80 tackles and earned All Hitches Player of the Week honors—and 6’5” All-District wide receiver Jamal Sesay. To replace their special teams weapons, the Lancers are looking to the soccer field. For the second year in a row, John Millward—two-time Washington Post Coach of the Year in soccer—is working as the program’s kicking coach, and Choates is confident that tradition will continue: every season under his leadership has produced an All-District kicker or punter.

Plenty of talent returns for Lewis, starting with three All-District players: Oscar Foronda (6’3”, 245 lb OL), Reynaldo Linares (6’1”, 210 lb LB), and Bilal Zafazoi (6’2”, 280 lb DL). The senior class brings more depth with returning starters like defensive back Dallen Charlton, quarterback Hamza Sansour, safety George Morris, wide receiver Cael Landarce, and offensive lineman Jason Trinidad. The experience and leadership from this group will be crucial as the Lancers push for a stronger season.

There’s also a new identity forming. Inspired by the Fast & Furious franchise, the team’s 2024 theme is “Play Fast and Play Furious,” centered on the traits of positivity, passion, preparation, and persistence. It’s a pop culture reference the coaches and players connected with, and it’s woven into everything from practice to team building.

Coach Choates is less concerned with early wins and more focused on building a true football family. He wants the younger players to be mentored by the older ones, learn the program's expectations, and start creating lifelong memories on and off the field.

If Lewis can combine its rising participation, coaching consistency, and a deep senior core with the energy they’re building around their team identity, the Lancers could be one of the more fun teams to watch in the National District this fall.