Team Preview: Lafayette

There are high expectations for the Lafayette Lancers entering the 2021-22 season. Following an early exit in the Class 6 Missouri playoffs last season, head coach Boyd Manne and the rest of the Lancers are poised for a big season this year. With a plethora of talent on the roster, this year’s Lancers’ squad could be the best in a long time. [player_tooltip player_id="96227" first="Tommy" last="Hagan"] is listed as a defensive end and nose guard for Lafayette, but he could be listed as an interior-offensive-line-wrecker. Hagan recorded 46 total tackles and four sacks in the shortened 2020-21 season, and with these numbers through six games, I am excited to see what he can do in a full senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="178534" first="Malik" last="Hampton"] is another defensive force for the Lafayette Lancers. In the shortened 2020-21 season, the Lancer safety was all over the field recording 55 total tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one interception. There is nothing more exciting than a high school football safety that can simply do it all. Malik is one of those players, and entering his senior season, it will be an opportunity for an even bigger breakout than the stellar performances last year. [player_tooltip player_id="37555" first="Owen" last="Butler"] is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end and outside linebacker. If the measurables are not enough for you, then take a closer look at his numbers. Butler recorded 23 receptions for 269 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Entering his senior season, he looks to add even more stats to both sides of the ball. It is always impressive for a young athlete to play both sides of the ball, but especially when they are doing so at the Class 6 level. Butler is definitely a name to keep an eye on this season. [player_tooltip player_id="178537" first="Matt" last="Jones"] is a 6-3, 182-pound wide receiver and cornerback entering his senior season. Jones showed flashes of brilliance, recording two Interceptions in his junior season. Another impressive frame that could see a massive breakout in the 2021-22 Season, as it seems the ball is in his court in regards to development. Jones is an exciting player who looks to take the next step forward in his senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="178542" first="Jack" last="Clark"] is the center for the Lancer offensive line, running the show at a monstrous 6-foot-7. His growth throughout the years has left coaches impressed, and his frame has paved a path to play college ball if he would choose. It is always important to bolster your offensive line with talent when building a high school football team. If the Lancers are going to have as deep of a playoff run as they are expecting, it will likely be behind a dominant season from Clark. [player_tooltip player_id="172626" first="Kenneth" last="Cargill"] and Brandon Keen are two more players to watch on the Lafayette defense. In the shortened 2020-21 season they also showed flashes of brilliance, each recording a combined 45 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one sack. It is amazing how deep with talent the Lancers are this season, and each of their players have different roles that solidify their team in various ways. All in all, the Lafayette Lancers have brought back a lot of key contributors from last season, making their growth an expectation for this year. I am excited to see these young men look to open doors at the next level, but I am even more excited to see how deep they can get as a team into the deep Class 6 playoffs this year.