By MIKE McLAIN

sports@vindy.com

LEAVITTSBURG

To understand the challenge facing LaBrae Vikings coach John Armeni, a trip to Athens might help.

There, on the Ohio University campus, you will find Keevon Harris and Andrew Cree, a pair of talented players from last season’s 9-3 LaBrae team that advanced two rounds into the Division V playoffs. Harris rushed for 1,620 yards and scored 28 touchdowns while Cree led the defense with 106 tackles, including 17 for lost yardage.

While Harris and Cree begin their careers with the Bobcats, Armeni begins the task of patching up the holes.

“I think we’ve identified the formula to be consistently competitive,” Armeni said. “It’s about doing what we do best. Our kids embrace the work ethic we do year round.”

The non-conference portion of the schedule is demanding for the All American Conference Blue Tier Vikings, including Warren JFK and Conneaut, along with AAC White Tier opponents Lakeview and Jefferson.

The Warren JFK-LaBrae contract was up for renewal this year.

“Our kids like playing that game,” Armeni said. “We didn’t play them for like 20 years, but [former] Coach [Bill] Bohren wanted to bring them back. That’s a game our kids want to play because it’s a playoff game.”

OFFENSE

The backfield will miss Harris, but it helps having senior quarterback Carlton Brown back. Brown, an all-Northeastern Ohio and all-state selection, passed for 1,335 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

Replacing Harris will be senior Arjay Oliver, who rushed for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 64 carries. Oliver is 5-8 and 160 pounds but has outstanding strength numbers in the weight room.

Senior Tariq Drake, a three-year letterman and first team all-conference pick, led the receivers with 43 receptions for 593 yards. Senior JT Wolke, also a first team all-conference pick, will team with Drake.

The only starter returning on the line is senior Alec Jerina, who starts at left guard. Likely starters are junior Rhen McConaughey at right tackle, senior Justin Zimmerman at center, senior right guard Matt Gushura and senior left tackle Dalton Stout.

DEFENSE

The unit allowed 12 points a game last season, which is a strong building block. The strength will be at linebacker with the return of sophomore Riley McCleary, Wolke and Stout. McCleary started both playoff games last season.

Returning up front are Jerina and senior Xavier Hubbard. Contending for time are senior Brice Taylor, McConaughey and Tyler Stephens.

Brown will start at a corner, with Oliver and Ethan Stishan seeing time at the opposite spot. Drake and sophomore Benton Tennant are the safeties.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Drake is the primary return specialist. He averaged 34.6 yards and scored three touchdowns on kick returns. Stishan will be the kicker, replacing the talented Isaiah Carmichael. Drake or Brown will handle punts, adding a threat of keeping the ball. Stout is the long snapper.

OUTLOOK

The loss of Harris is big, but Oliver proved capable when used last season. Armeni will lean heavily on Brown at quarterback and the defense.

“Our expectations will always remain high,” Armeni said. “You can be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. Guys that get it done will be out there for us.”