2017 Elyria Pioneers: An Old Friend, a Fresh Start

Sheffield Lake, Ohio-  As the Elyria Pioneers aim to turn a 3-7 2016 season around they welcome an old friend to help lead the way.

New Head Coach Sean Arno returns to Elyria replacing the departed Kevin Fell who resigned after 6 seasons at the helm. Fell compiled a decent 37-26 record and 3 playoff appearances. Arno, who was Elyria’s freshman coach back in 1998, returns after stints at Alexander High School, and most recently at Wellington High School.

Helping make Arno’s transition a bit smoother will be dual threat QB Donte Beckett. Beckett, a senior, threw for 1220 yards and ran for 1060 in 2016. His receiving corps of Deviian Williams, Brendan Fenton and Dayonte Horton, all seniors combined for 870 receiving yards.

Johnanthony Lowery, Jordan Lucky-Baker, Jaiquan Turner are returning defensive starters All three are seniors. They look to provide the much needed leadership that was lacking last season.

The transition will also be made easier by Arno retaining the majority of coaches under Fell. The list includes Steve Hamilton, offensive line coach, who only has one starter returning.

Things will change a bit at Ely Stadium this season, but nothing major. The coaching staff has been in place a while and when the players and staff finally get on the same page, the Pioneers will be a fun team to watch.

Elyria opens it’s 2017 campaign with non- conference match up vs neighboring Avon Lake on Friday August 25 at 7pm.

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2017 Schedule

Aug. 25 at Avon Lake
Sept. 1 Bedford
Sept. 7 at Lorain
Sept. 15 Solon*
Sept. 22 at Euclid*
Sept. 28 Shaker Heights*
Oct. 6 at Brunswick*
Oct. 14 Medina*
Oct. 21 at Strongsville*
Oct. 28 Mentor*

* Greater Cleveland Conference