TriStateFootball.com

La Salle Wins Playoff Opener

The La Salle Lancers started their Division II title defense Friday with a 52-14 defeat of the Vandalia-Butler Aviators.

The Aviators (7-4) were able to keep the game close for the first 14 minutes when the score was tied 7-7, but then it was all Lancers (9-2).

La Salle's Jeremy Larkin (Michael Noyes/TSF).

La Salle’s Jeremy Larkin (Michael Noyes/TSF).

Senior and future Cincinnati Bearcat running back Jeremy Larkin and the rest of the La Salle Lancers rolled over the winners of the Greater Western Ohio North Division. Larkin rushed for 303 yards and four touchdowns. In the first half alone, Larkin gained 245 yards and three touchdowns. This was the second time in his high school career where he rushed for more than 300 yards. The first came in the playoffs last season against Harrison.

Coming into the game Larkin led the GCL South with 1,103 yards on 120 carries with 17 touchdowns.

The top-seed in Region 6 outgained Butler, 301-195 in the first half alone. They scored four offensive touchdowns in the first half, and one on defense. The majority of these touchdowns came in the second quarter when the Lancers scored 31 points.

Coming into the matchup, the Aviators allowed 390 yards per game so again were torched for over 400 yards. This was also a team that averaged 33 points per game so La Salle was able to shut down the offense.

This was Butler’s first playoff appearance since 2013 when they lost in the first round to Loveland.

The Lancers will play the five-seed Lima Senior, which defeated Miamisburg, 44-42, in overtime. The game will be played next Friday at a site to be determined.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply