La Crosse Central has a few key contributors returning to the field in 2023 that I had to choose from. Could have gone with the leading tackler in Antoine Hardie Antoine Hardie 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB La Crosse Central | 2024 State WI . He will be back to roam the middle of the field again. Central also returns two of their top three leading receivers from 2022. In the end, I had to go with the athlete who I believe will shoulder the biggest share of the offense. That is RB Gavin Shepard Gavin Shepard 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB La Crosse Central | 2025 State WI . Last season, Gavin put up 677 yards at nearly 6 yards/att, and 8 TDs. All of which led the team. Gavin is a compact, powerful runner with a low center of gravity. He runs his feet through contact, and finishes his runs. He also has the long speed to pile up the yards after contact. He is my pick for team MVP, and we could be in store for a breakout statistical year too. Keep an eye on him.

2022 Stats: 115 Carries, 677 Yards, 8 TDsrnGavin broke onto my radar last fall when I attended one of his games live. The 5’8″ 170 lbs RB should become more an more of a mainstay in the offense this fall. He was the leading rusher in 2022, and only one other teammate in the top 5 for team rushing yards returns in 2023. This fall, Gavin should be in position to break 1,000 yards rushing. He has good vision and patience behind the line as he waits for his blocks to develop and holes to open up. His center of gravity is low, and hard to get off balance. I’m excited to see what the soon to be junior does this fall.