Grown-Up Phoenix: Elon is Now Loaded with Seasoned Veterans

[Appaholic]

Elon, continuing its upward movement since Pete Lembo took over an ailing program that didn't win a league game four years ago, won seven of its first eight games last season and appeared to be on the way to its first playoff berth in the Football Championship Subdivision.

The Phoenix slipped down the stretch, however, losing three of its final four games, and ended up on the postseason sideline with an 8-4 mark.

This season, Lembo and the Phoenix are intent on completing the next step. And with a league-high 18 starters returning, they appear primed to do so.

The Phoenix has its deepest and most experienced team since joining the Southern Conference in 2003.

"It gets down to growing up," Lembo said. "We've played so many younger guys over the last few years, and now some of those guys are finally becoming juniors and seniors.… This will really be our first opportunity to field a greater number of those guys.

"Hopefully this is the year for these guys to break through."
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