Lewis Lancers Set for a Promising 2024 Season

8/29: vs Park View - 7:00pm

• 9/6: vs McLean - 7:00pm

• 9/13: @ Washington-Liberty - 7:00pm

• 9/27: vs Mount Vernon - 7:00pm

• 10/4: @ Edison* - 7:00pm

• 10/11: @ Thomas Jefferson Science & Technology* - 7:00pm

• 10/18: @ Justice* - 7:00pm

• 10/25: vs Falls Church* - 7:00pm

• 10/31: @ Annandale - 6:00pm

• 11/8: @ Hayfield - 7:00pm

With the 2024 high school football season just around the corner, the Lewis Lancers are eager to build on their recent progress. Head coach Larry Choates is leading the team with high hopes of making greater strides in the tough National District.

The 2023 season marked a turning point for the Lancers, who finished with a 3-7 record, their best performance since 2018. The team showed significant improvement, staying competitive in more games than in the past three years. “Our staff has been finding ways to get our players to buy into our culture,” Coach Choates said. “We emphasize getting to class on time, working hard in the classroom, and getting good grades. All of that translates to the football field.”

The offseason was a time of both celebration and change. Several players graduated with honors, and two members of the 2024 class signed offers from Bridgewater and Lewis and Clark. Additionally, two players were invited to the prestigious American Legion Virginia Boys State. The team also saw changes in the coaching staff, with their offensive coordinator taking the head coach position at Osbourn Park. In response, the Lancers brought in new quality coaches.

Coach Choates is excited about the upcoming schedule, which mirrors last season’s lineup. Key games to watch include the opener against Park View and the highly anticipated matchup against Edison. The Sherman Deck Victory Ball Game between Edison and Lewis holds special significance, as it honors the long-time coach who had a profound impact on both communities. “I was both coached by and coached with Sherman Deck. It is a very special game for both communities,” said Choates.

The team will have to overcome the loss of several key players from last season, including WR/Safety/LS Henry Buchhofer, RB Nick Adjai, All Region OL Edgar Lagos, and Diontae McDaniel. “These players were pivotal to our success,” said Choates. However, the Lancers have a group of promising athletes ready to step up. Four players are in the mix to replace the two running backs, and the offensive line will benefit from the return of four starters. Additionally, five players who have started at defensive back and wide receiver positions are returning.

Fans should keep an eye on a few standout players this season. Junior Dylan Nguyen, a defensive end, is expected to make a significant impact. Sophomore Joel Smith, who plays kick returner and defensive back, has shown great promise. Senior wide receiver Jamal Sesay and senior offensive tackle Bryan Cantarero Sales are also poised to be key contributors.

With a renewed focus on discipline and hard work, coupled with the infusion of new talent and leadership, the team is ready to make its mark in the National District. The journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but Coach Choates and his squad are prepared to give it their all and strive for excellence on and off the field.

Key Players 

• JR Dylan Nguyen DE

• SO Joel Smith KR/DB

• SR Jamal Sesay WR

• SR Bryan Cantarero Sales OT