2016 Snapshot: Lawrenceburg

Many of the puzzle pieces are in place for Lawrenceburg to have an outstanding 2016 campaign. The Tigers are experienced with 19 seniors on the roster and nine returning starters on offense. They can run the ball and may have their best defense under head coach Ryan Knigga who enters his sixth year at the helm.

Lawrenceburg Head Coach Ryan Knigga (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

This squad will be also be hungry after losing the sectional championship a year ago. Motivation on top of all the other things that Lawrenceburg will have going for them is a potent combination.

“Across the board, this is one of our most talented teams. We have athletes all over the field and we have experience at key spots,” Knigga says. “I believe we will be able to run the ball and stop the run on defense. This team has the potential to have an excellent season. Once again we have goals of winning the EIAC 3A and winning our 17th sectional title.”

Throw in what Knigga calls his programs best off-season and it appears the Tigers are dialed in and focused on making great things happen this fall.

Class 3A, Sectional 30
2015 RECORD: 7-5, 1-2 EIAC 3A
COACH: Ryan Knigga (37-19 at Lawrenceburg, five years, 37-19 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Mason Parris, Jr, TE/H/MLB – Parris was named to the IFCA junior All-Indiana team last season as a sophomore. He is a special player to say the least. Parris finished the year with 156 total tackles (67 solo), had 23 tackles for losses, four sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered five fumbles. Knigga plans on using his stud on offense at H-back and TE to get even more production out of him.

Lawrenceburg OL Caleb Craft (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Caleb Craft, Sr, OL/DL – A very dominant lineman who is a good pass protector and blocker. Craft was named All-EIAC 3A last season.

Austin Bowling, Sr, RB/DE – Bowling doesn’t run around people he runs through them, on both sides of the ball. The All-EIAC 3A selection ran for 1,468 and 29 touchdowns as a junior. On defense eight of his 12 tackles went for losses. “He is a beast! Who disrupts blocking schemes up front when he is on the defensive line,” Knigga exclaims.

Noah Boyd, Sr, OL/DL – Boyd was an All-EIAC 3A selection at the offensive line position as a junior.

Jake Ruberg, SR, OLB – A starter since his freshman season Ruberg is the leader on the Tigers defense. He is the one that helps the team get lined up. Ruberg is a flexible piece and aggressive player that can play either outside linebacker or safety. He had 54 total tackles (29 solo) and five interceptions to earn All-EIAC 3A honors as a junior.

Jordan Houze, Jr, WR/DB – “One of the most athletic kids on the field every night,” Knigga says. “Jordan has great hands and reacts to the ball in the air as good as any receiver we have had.” Houze was named All-EIAC 3A after reeling in 25 receptions for 573 yards (22.92/rec) and eight touchdowns.

OTHER RETURNEES
Reid Strobl, Sr, QB – Emerged as one of the EIAC’s most pleasant surprises in ’15. A dual threat he accounted for 1,962 yards of total offense (1,718 passing, 244 rushing) and accounted for 22 touchdowns (17 passing, five rushing). “Reid made huge strides. He should have even better numbers this year,” Knigga states.

Lawrenceburg QB Reid Strobl (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Hunter Privett, Jr, H/ILB – The young Privett has a big time upside and a bright future. “Hunter is a huge player in our offensive scheme. He can block, run and catch. He is very versatile,” Kinigga says. “On defense, he is a very good linebacker who can run and he gets to the ball.” Privett finished his sophomore season with 56 total tackles, six tackles for losses, one sack and two fumble recoveries. He also had 11 receptions for 127 yards.

Ben Murphy, Sr, WR/DB – The team leader in receptions as a junior with 26. Murphy also racked up 365 yards and scored three touchdowns. On defense, he totaled 14 tackles with two interceptions.

Eli Gannaway, Sr, OL/DL – Gannaway saw limited action last season but played very well in the sectional championship game. Coach Knigga says Gannaway is having a great off-season.

Sam Tibbetts, Sr, ILB – A solid run stopper Tibbetts started every game as a junior. He was in on 37 total tackles, had seven tackles for losses including a sack.

NEWCOMERS
Eyan Peelman, Jr, OL – Peelman has a monster upside. His strengths are being a good blocker and a great communicator. He started two games as a sophomore.

Jonah Rolfes, Jr, DE – Coach Knigga calls Rolfes an “athletic freak,” who is strong, fast and explosive.

Cody Denison, Jr, WR/DB – The Tigers will find room and touches for Denison in the offense. He is a dual threat running and catching the ball out of the backfield because of his speed, vision and athleticism.

Gavin Yoon, Fr, WR – Yoon is tall, athletic and a good route runner with good hands. He is a in a position to make his presence felt as a freshman.

Lawreceburg LB/S Jake Ruberg (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(61-36 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

2016 SCHEDULE
Lawrenceburg could start off 0-2 with games at Indian Creek and hosting Taylor to start the season. Those foes are very capable of knocking off the Tigers. If somehow Knigga’s squad finds a way to win both of those affairs running the table after that seems very plausible. Even if Lawrenceburg begins 0-2 they will still be a legitimate contender to win the Sectional title.

COACHES QUOTE
“We have talked a lot about continuing success and building on our tradition. If the Tigers stay healthy and come to work every day, it could be an exciting season in Tiger Town,” coach Knigga.

FIVE ABOVE .500
Lawrenceburg will be looking for its fifth straight season with a winning record. From 2006 until 2011 the Tigers had only one season above .500 when they went 10-2 in 2008 under head coach Bob Brookbank.

THE ROUTE 50 RUMBLE
This will be the sixth straight season that Lawrenceburg and its Route 50 rival from across the border in Ohio, Taylor have met. The two interstate schools are separated by an 8.5 mile stretch on Route 50. Taylor has won the last three meetings in the series after the Tigers won the first two. The teams had played seven times in the last nine years with Lawrenceburg holding a 4-3 edge. The game has always been the season opener for Taylor and a Week 2 tilt for the Tigers.

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