If there’s one player Lakewood can count on to set the tone, it’s Calvin Lacewell Calvin Lacewell 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB/LB Lakewood | 2027 State NC . The junior running back has been a monster all season, racking up 10 touchdowns and establishing himself as the Lions’ most dependable offensive weapon. He runs with purpose—downhill, physical, and with the kind of balance that makes him a nightmare to bring down in space.

Tonight’s matchup adds even more intensity:
a crosstown rivalry showdown with Hobbton in the playoffs.

Games like this demand stars to shine, and Lacewell has been that dude all year. For Lakewood to control the pace, win the trenches, and keep Hobbton’s playmakers off the field, Lacewell will need to deliver one of his signature performances—those tough, bruising drives that wear a defense down and open the entire offense.

If Lakewood walks out with a rivalry win and a ticket to the next round, you can bet Calvin Lacewell Calvin Lacewell 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB/LB Lakewood | 2027 State NC played a huge role in making it happen.

Calvin Lacewell Calvin Lacewell 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB/LB Lakewood | 2027 State NC , the junior running back for Lakewood, has built a reputation as one of the most physical runners in the area. A true bruiser with downhill power, Lacewell thrives on contact and wears defenses down as the game goes on. Averaging around 100 yards per contest with eight touchdowns on the season, he’s been the engine behind Lakewood’s offensive success. His ability to control the tempo, move the chains, and finish runs with authority makes him the ultimate tone-setter. Heading into the next stretch of games, Lacewell’s punishing running style will be the X-factor that determines whether Lakewood can keep its offensive rhythm and push toward a strong finish.

A two-year starter at Lakewood, Lacewell runs well and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2024. More importantly, he fixed his fumbling issue that he has as a freshman, dropping from four to zero as a sophomore. He has excellent size and home run speed, making him difficult to bring down, especially when he can get to the second level of the defense.

Calvin Lacewell Calvin Lacewell 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB/LB Lakewood | 2027 State NC looks like he’s got a bright future ahead of him, especially heading into his junior year! With Lakewood’s strong 2024 season, which saw them come just one game short of the eastern regionals, expectations are clearly high for 2025. Lacewell stepping into the role as the feature back is a big opportunity for him, and it sounds like he’s going to be a key piece not just for his team, but for the entire conference and Sampson County.

If he can stay healthy and perform at a high level, Lacewell has the potential to put up some huge numbers and solidify himself as one of the top backs in the state for the class of 2027. With a lot of eyes on him, it could also help boost his recruitment as programs begin to see his talent on display in big games.

Lacewell is 1 of only 2 2027 athletes listed as far as playoff impact players. Lacewell has the ability to carry Lakewood into the eastern regionals tonight with his runs between the tackles and breakaway speed. The Sophomore will need to show up all four quarters, especially when the temperature drops.