2025 Team Preview: Lakeview Lakers

After a decline in 2023 when they went 1-8, the Lakeview Lakers continued their rebuild in 2024, and with several underclassmen names stepping up in the varsity level and giving promise to their lineup, the Lakers improved to 3-6 last season. With a large group of talented players returning to the lineup with valuable experience, the Lakers look to take a step forward in 2025 as they look to return to form as postseason contenders once again.   We take a look today at 6 starters from the Lakers to watch out for that will lead the way in 2025!    [player_tooltip player_id='1648573' first='Jackson' last='Staab'] has been the centerpiece of a very underrated O-line that has been really difficult to go against. A steady snapper who is able to maul defenders at the point of contact, Staab does a good job at getting to the second level of the defense to create a gap up the middle for his RB, while also showing solid lateral movement in tight quarters. Staab shows plenty of strength in his punch, shooting his arms at pad-level, and getting in a low-wide stance, showing ideal mechanics as a Center. Staab should remain to be the one in charge of controlling the trenches for the Lakers this upcoming season.     A smaller, but very sneaky scatback, Garrett Schafer is a dangerous player to have break into the open space. With a 4.5 40 yard time, Schafer has quite a lot of speed on him, and that speed is on full display in the outside-run, being able to skim by defenders trying to get him out of bounds, and being able to cut back effortlessly to the inside. The Lakers do a good job utilizing Schafer's athleticism in different ways, including giving handoffs out of a wing-bone look, and as a downfield passing threat on trick plays. Schafer is clearly an asset that the Lakers are looking to build their offense around in 2025.     Playing both ways at CB and WR, Braylon Breyfogle has proven to be a very solid and reliable presence for the Lakers' football team. On offense, Breyfogle shows consistency in being able to churn out yardage as a short-option, showing good vision after the catch to be able to change direction and run toward the other side of the field, while also being able to beat the secondary and emerge as a redzone threat. On defense, Breyfogle does a good job covering the deep ball, showing good timing in being able to jump ahead of the pass, and his success as a pass-catcher translates well in picking off his opponents' passes. Breyfogle's steady play on both sides of the ball will be necessary for a team that is looking to step up their game once again in 2025.     Jared Bot managed to earn significant reps as a freshman on the Lakers' varsity lineup as a starting Right Tackle, and he showed plenty of promise in that role. As a freshman, Bot's size already overmatches other blockers on the lineup that were seniors, with plenty of opportunity to build more bulk to match his frame. Bot had his fair share of hiccups as a freshman, but he did a good job at jamming defenders at the line, containing the edge, and keeping DEs outside of the pocket. Bot will have plenty of time to continue building upon his mechanics, but by the time his senior year rolls around, Bot should end up as quite a force to be reckoned with.     Another big body that could thrive on the trenches in 2025, Cody Helmke is a much bigger wild card on the list than the aforementioned players I included. Helmke has limited film from his junior year, and he saw limited reps last season playing at Right Guard. Helmke showed flashes of potential as a bruising blocker, being able to pin the hip and get low on his blocks, while also having the power to knock defenders backwards and open up a lane to the second level. Helmke should get a lot more playing time during his senior year, where he'll get his opportunity to shine in the interior.     Another two-way prospect that has seen limited playing time, [player_tooltip player_id='1648572' first='Joshua' last='Potts'] is another wild-card name that boasts the athleticism to dominate on the gridiron. I had mentioned Potts earlier this offseason due to his impressive testing numbers and his strong blocking and hand-fighting skills, which should translate well at both WR and CB positions that he plays. The question is, will that potential translate into a big campaign in 2025? Potts is a risky prospect with high ceiling potential as he enters his senior year.

After a decline in 2023 when they went 1-8, the Lakeview Lakers continued their rebuild in 2024, and with several underclassmen names stepping up in the varsity level and giving promise to their lineup, the Lakers improved to 3-6 last season. With a large group of talented players returning to the lineup with valuable experience, the Lakers look to take a step forward in 2025 as they look to return to form as postseason contenders once again.