The Lancaster football program has not posted a winning season since 2018, a drought that has hung over the team for several years. New head coach Jeremy McKinney, hired in January, is tasked with ending that stretch of disappointment.
A New Era of Optimism
McKinney arrives with a strong résumé, having guided Bloom‑Carrol to a 42‑12 record over four seasons and capturing four Mid‑State League‑Buckeye Division titles. In 2022 his side finished as Division III state runner‑up, a run that cemented his reputation as a builder of winning cultures.
McKinney has emphasized a cultural overhaul, replacing the old mindset with positive reinforcement and a sense of urgency. Senior linebacker Jackson Reynolds has praised the coach’s calm demeanor, noting that the players have fully bought into the new direction.
Quarterback Brody Broeckel echoed that sentiment, highlighting the staff’s belief and the energy that now permeates practice. The team is focusing on fundamentals, hoping that improved technique will translate into wins when the season begins.
The schedule will test the new approach early, with a scrimmage on August 7 at Westland and a home opener against Hilliard Darby on August 21. Players say the excitement is palpable, and they are eager to practice and prove the program can rise again.