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Lofty expectations for young Lawrenceburg

The foundation at Lawrenceburg has been laid under head coach Ryan Knigga. Now it will be up to a new cast of players to keep the Tigers pride moving. Lawrenceburg graduated 14 seniors who all were significant contributors during their careers. Replacing them is a tall order.

Ryan-Knigga-Lawrenceburg

“We are young at some key spots. We have talent, just not talent with experience” Knigga says about his 2015 squad. “The offensive line will be very athletic! I also believe we have a great group of young receivers coming back. Our linebacker unit will be very strong.”

There is no more rebuilding at Lawrenceburg it will be all about reloading for the black and orange. For Knigga that is a welcomed position to be in.

Class 3A, Sectional 30
2014 RECORD: 7-3, 3-0 EIAC 3A
COACH: Ryan Knigga (30-14 at Lawrenceburg, four years, 30-14 overall)

TOP RETURNEES
Joe Lacey, Jr, OL – A returning starter on the o-line Lacey made his mark by being a solid technician.

Mikey Land – A returning starter Land uses his speed and instincts to his advantage. He had one interception as a junior.

Ben Murphy, Jr, WR – Murphy is an exceptional athlete who has a chance to rewrite the receiving records at Lawrenceburg by the time his career is over. He had 12 receptions for 1888 yards and a touchdown in ’14.

Mason Parris, So, MLB – Parris had a smashing varsity debut leading the Tigers in tackles as a freshman. “He is one of the best linebackers in the conference. He will be the next big time player to play at the next level. He is a beast and will only be a sophomore” coach Knigga raves about his rising star.

Trevor Rolfes, Sr, DE – “Rolfes is a force coming off the edge who has great speed and athleticism” coach Knigga says. He led Lawrenceburg with 5.5 sacks in ’14.

Jake Ruberg, Jr, LB – A starter since his freshman year Ruberg is one of the top tacklers on the Tigers team. Coach Knigga calls him a “great alley defender.”

Jake Thayer, Sr, WR – A utility player the past two seasons Thayer should shine this fall because he is a smart player, good blocker and great router runner according to coach Knigga.

NEWCOMERS
Blake Abdon, Jr, RB – Injured the past two seasons Abdon has the potential to be a great running back for the next two seasons.

Jordan Houze, Jr, QB – Houze will compete for the starting quarterback position. He is an exceptional athlete with a great arm and knowledge of the system.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(59-35 overall)
Sectional Champions (16) – 2012, 2005, 1999, 1998, 1992, 1991, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1976, 1975
Regional Champions (4) – 1985, 1984, 1978, 1975
State Champions (2) – 1978, 1975

2015 SCHEDULE
Navigating through the first six weeks of the season with inexperience at key postions will be the biggest challenge for Lawrenceburg. Opening the season versus defending Class 4A state champion New Palestine then Ohio rival Taylor will test the Tigers mettle to the fullest.

COACHES QUOTE
“The 2015 team has outstanding potential, and a huge up-side. The staff is excited to keep building our program. We will need to gain some experience early in the season to make a run at another EIAC title and sectional title. Our expectations have not changed! Our kids know the expectations, and are working very hard to continue the Lawrenceburg tradition. It should be another fun and exciting year for the Tigers” says Knigga.

REESTABLISHING THE ROAR
Lawrenceburg had its third straight winning season under Knigga last fall. The Tigers haven’t had four straight winning campaigns since 1990 to’93 under former head coach and athletic director Glenn Crocker.

THE LEGEND OF LAWRENCEBURG
In 12 years as the head coach at Lawrenceburg from 1970 to 1981 Dick Meador compiled an amazing 119-11-1 record. The Tigers won 10 EIAC championships, six sectional titles, three regional crowns and two state titles under his tutelage.

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