2016 Snapshot: La Salle

La Salle DL Nick Rielag (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Until someone can knock La Salle of its pedestal the Lancers are still the team to beat in Division II. The road to a third straight Ohio DII title won’t be easy. La Salle loses some outstanding talent including the Greater Catholic League’s all-time leading scorer and touchdown maker, Jeremy Larkin.

There are many questions to be answered than for head coach Jim Hilvert and his staff. The good news is that many Lancer returnees have played a ton of snaps and know what it takes to win.

“This team has been battle tested over the past two years. There has been no sense of complacency during this off-season. We have some key play-makers back at some positions,” Hilvert states. “There is some inexperience at key positions. We also lack of depth at some other positions. We need to grow up quick as a team and we must stay healthy.”

La Salle will be the hunted not the hunters. Many foes will be out to avenge big losses suffered at the hands of the Lancers over the past two seasons. How this team handles adversity will determine its final outcome. With Hilvert at the helm expect his boys not to get rattled and bounce back strong if it does happen.

Division II, Region 8
2015 RECORD: 13-2, 1-2 GCL South (Division II State Champions)
COACH: Jim Hilvert (13-2 at LaSalle, one year; 13-2 overall)

La Salle RB/DB Jarell White (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

HONOR ROLL
Jarrell White, Sr, RB/SS – After running for more than 1,500 yards as a sophomore White moved to defense in 2015. It was a move that paid off big time for White and the Lancers. He was named AP Division II Third Team All-Ohio as a safety after getting in on 85 tackles, forcing four fumbles, recovering three fumbles and returning an interception for a touchdown. Expect White to go back to playing a more prominent role in the La Salle rushing game as a senior. He has offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Ohio and Toledo.

TreSean Smith, Sr, FS – A Second Team All-GCL South as junior, Smith came on strong in the postseason. He had five of his seven interceptions in the Lancers final three playoff games. Smith has become a rising star since then donning offers from Air Force, Akron, Arkansas State, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Colorado State, Iowa State, Louisville, Miami (OH), Ohio, Syracuse, Toledo, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan.

Paul Young, Sr, K/P – This transfer from Ross will give the La Salle special teams a huge boost. Young was a First Team All-Southwest District selection as a junior after connecting on 10-13 field goals and 27-33 extra points. Four of his career 15 field goals have been from 42 yards or longer.

OTHER RETURNEES
Christian Turner, Sr, RB – A dual threat out of the backfield Turner ran for 497 yards, caught 18 passes for another for 246 yards while finding the end zone eight times (five rushing, three receiving) as a junior. Turner received his first offer in May from Cornell.

Tyler Richardson, Sr, CB – at 5-foot-9 and 151 pounds Richardson isn’t afraid to mix it up with the big boys. He had 47 total tackles with a sack and a fumble recovery a year ago.

De’Meak Brandon, Sr, CB – Part of an outstanding returning group in the Lancers secondary Brandon finished with 36 total tackles and two interceptions as a junior.

La Salle LB Garrett Bledsoe (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Garrett Bledsoe, So, LB – It only took Bledsoe a few games before he busted into the Lancers starting defense as a freshman. He finished his rookie campaign with 62 total tackles and two sacks.

Nate Pierce, Sr, C – Pierce will be called upon to be a rock on the Lancers o-line. He has all-league potential.

Chase Boeckerman, Sr, OT – There are big shoes to be filled on La Salle’s front line and Boeckerman will ease those worries for Hilvert and his staff.

Coltyn Keairns, Sr, OG – A returning leader up front Keairns had a breakout year as a junior.

Ben Braebender, Sr, WR – Braebender showed big play capability last season with seven of his 10 receptions going for 20 yards or more. He finished with 269 yards and two scores on those 10 catches.

Nick Rielag, Sr, DT – La Salle will be counting on Rielag to bring leadership and production along their defensive line. He finished with 23 total tackles with two sacks and a fumble recovery in 2015.

Sam Hildebrand, Jr, S – Hildebrand adds depth and experience to the Lancers solid secondary.

NEWCOMERS
A trio of youngsters will be asked to pick up the slack on the defensive line in senior DT Shane Dashley, junior DT Ariq Johnson and sophomore DT Jared Uran. Along with classmate Bledsoe, Brody Ingle gives La Salle fans plenty to smile about with a bright future at the linebacker position. Senior Andre Evans will also contribute at the same position.

Keep an eye on Josh Whyle who will give the La Salle offense versatiltiy at the h-back position on offense.

La Salle RB Christian Turner (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(six appearances, 10-4) – 2015 (State Champions), 2014 (State Champions), 2010, 2004, 2002, 1985

2016 SCHEDULE
A three game stretch of road games starting in Week 3 at Colerain, at Christian Brothers (TN) and at Winton Woods will test the Lancers defensive physicality and mental toughness on the offensive side of the ball. After that GCL South play begins as they host Moeller and St. Xavier. There is no rest for the weary this fall for La Salle.

DIVISION II DOMINANACE
La Salle has not lost a game to an Ohio Division II team since moving down from Division I three years ago. The Lancers are 17-0 versus Division II teams from the Buckeye state in that span.

TURNING THE TABLES
Since losing their final seven regular season games of 2013, La Salle has gone 27-3 including 10 consecutive playoff wins. They have scored 40 points or more in 20 of those victories.

A PLAYOFF POWERHOUSE
In La Salle’s 10 postseason triumphs over the past two years they have scored at least 42 points on nine occasions and 38 in the other affair. The Lancers averaged a combined 46.9 points in those contests. They were consistent scoring 235 total playoff points in 2014 and 234 points in ’15.

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