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2022 Snapshot: La Salle

La Salle RB Jaylen Grant (photo by James Bates/TriStateFootball.com)

The great unknown is scary and exciting. It comes with apprehension. After several years of having “givens” in its program La Salle now finds itself wondering how the next chapter is going to unfold and be defined.

Since winning the state championship in 2019 the Lancers have graduated one of the most highly recruited secondaries in Cincinnati history, an extremely accomplished backfield and an offensive line that had more starts together than any school/coach could ever dream of or wish for. With all that in the rear view mirror a new cast of characters is ready to leave its mark on this fabled program.

“We have good team speed. We are athletic and talented but inexperienced on both sides of the ball. We are young in spots and need offensive linemen to develop,” head coach Pat McLaughlin states about what lies ahead and the future for La Salle.

The road to the Division II state title runs through the reigning champion, Winton Woods. La Salle beat the Warriors during the regular season a year ago but fell to them in the playoffs. Several Lancers on the current roster had success in that victory. This team isn’t going to be in awe or intimidated by Winton Woods. Bank on La Salle leaving its mark on the outcome of the 2022 campaign.

Division II, Region 8
2021 RECORD: 7-5, 0-3 GCL South
COACH: Pat McLaughlin (43-19 at La Salle, five years; 62-31 overall; eight years)

HONOR ROLL
Mason Luensman, Sr, K – An absolute weapon on special teams and one of the best kickers in the state and perhaps the entire country. Luensman has connected on 75/76 extra points and 15/17 field goals for 120 points in his career. He was named OPSWA Division II All-Ohio as a junior.

Koy Beasley, Jr, DB – A lightning fast closer out of the defensive backfield. It is puzzling as to why Beasley doesn’t have any Division I offers yet. He was in on 25 total tackles, had a fumble recovery and three interceptions on his way to Second Team All-GCL South honors as a sophomore.

La Salle DB Koy Beasley (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Kyle Kelhoffer, Jr, OL/DL – Despite being just a junior Kelhoffer is one of the Lancers leaders in the trenches. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound lineman was named Second Team All-GCL South a year ago.

OTHER RETURNEES
Jaylen Grant, Sr, RB – Came on strong late in the season with two of his three 100-plus yard games and all six of his touchdowns rushing in two of the Lancers final three contests. Grant finished his junior season with 584 yards rushing, 714 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns (six rush, one rec).

Tahj Landrum, Sr, ATH – Look for this stud to play on both sides of the ball and get touches on offense. Landrum registered 36 total tackles and snared an interception in 2021.

Mason Mattingly, Sr, QB – The sample size at the varsity level is small but all signs point to a breakout senior season for Mattingly. He had 226 yards passing and 232 yards rushing in four games a year ago.

La Salle QB Mason Mattingly (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

BJ Ross, Sr, CB – Has all-district potential. Ross was in on 20 total tackles and had two interceptions as a junior.

NEWCOMERS
Seniors OL/DL Peyton Abney (6-2/245), Emmaus Dosa (6-2/270) and junior transfer OL/D Camdon Wilborn (6-3/245) gives La Salle needed size and depth in the trenches. The Lancers staff is hoping Wilborn, a First Team All-CMAC Blue performer in 2021 at Division VII CCPA, can adjust to the speed of the game sooner rather than later. Abney had two sacks in seven appearances a year ago.

Juniors DE/OLB Jared Johnson, DE/OLB Justin Johnson along with sophomores LB Brady            O’Connor and LB Isaac Goldschmidt are young but have tremendous upsides. O’Connor who is cut from the same mold as former La Salle linebackers Brody Ingle, Jarred Uran and Garrett Bledsoe played well in the playoffs as a freshman.

La Salle DB BJ Ross (photo by James Bates/TriStateFootball.com)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(11 appearances, 28-7) – 2021, 2020 (Regional Champion), 2019 (State Champion), 2017, 2016 (State Champion), 2015 (State Champion), 2014 (State Champion), 2010, 2004, 2002, 1985

2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – at Colerain (5-6 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – RICC (Royal Imperial Collegiate of Canada) (ONT) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Fairmont (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – LOUISVILLE TRINITY (KY)(6-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Dupont Manual (KY) (3-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – MOELLER (11-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – at Indianapolis Cathedral (IN) (14-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – ST. XAVIER (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Sat – 10/15/22 – DETROIT CENTRAL CATHOLIC (MI)(8-3) – TBA
Fri – 10/21/22 – at Elder (6-6) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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