2022 Video Snapshot: Lakota West
- Updated: July 20, 2022
They have six defensive backs with Division I FBS college offers, 10 players overall with offers, a quarterback that will be a four year starter at the position and the motivation of having fallen in the last two regional championships. Lakota West has a mix of ingredients that could make and even more delectable dish than they have served up the past two campaigns. The Firebirds are a veteran and experienced team that is set up for another deep run in the playoffs.
Division I, Region 4
2021 RECORD: 11-2, 7-0 GMC
COACH: Tom Bolden (26-7 at Lakota West, three years; 158-28 overall, 15 years)
HONOR ROLL
Malik Hartford, Sr, S – One of the top defensive backs in the country. Hartford tallied 58 total tackles, had a sack and two interceptions including a pick-six against West Clermont as a junior. He was named OPSWA Division I Second Team All-Southwest District. Hartford has verbally committed to Ohio State.
Mitch Bolden, Sr, QB – The undeniable leader of the Firebirds offense who is back for his fourth year as a starter under center. Bolden was named OPSWA Division I Honorable Mention All-Southwest District for a second straight season after throwing for 1,924 yards, rushing for 751 yards and accounting for 31 touchdowns (21 pass, 10 rush) in 2021. He has offers from Army, APSU, Dartmouth, Eastern Illinois, ETSU, Fordham, Marshall, Tennessee-Martin and Western Michigan.
By The Numbers: Mitch Bolden
Trent Lloyd, Sr, WR – An incredibly important piece of what Lakota West does on both sides of the ball. Lloyd ad a breakout junior season. He finished the year with 51 receptions for 612 yards and eight touchdowns. He was named First Team All-GMC. The three-year starter has offers from Air Force and Army.
Tony Curtis, Sr, C – The anchor of an offensive line that paved the way for 4,053 yards of total offense and 40 touchdowns in 2021. Curtis was named First Team All-GMC for his efforts.
Elijah Davis, Jr, DL – Made a huge difference along the d-line in his first season as a starter. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Davis was in on 47 total tackles, had six sacks and two fumble recoveries as a sophomore. He was named First Team All-GMC for the work.
Jacob Asbeck, Jr, LB – A pleasant surprise or the Firebirds last fall. In his first season as a varsity starter. Asbeck was in on 50 total tackles, recorded five-and-a-half sacks, forced two fumbles and had a 99-yard scoop-and-score against Colerain. He earned Second Team All-GMC honors.
Joshua Fussell, Sr, DB – Made opponents pay for avoiding throwing against Alex Afari and Jyaire Brown in 2021. Fussell went “Prime Time” snaring a GMC best six interceptions to go along with 41 total tackles on his way to a Second Team All-GMC selection as a junior. He has verbally committed to Northwestern.
Ben Minich, Sr, WR/DB – The speedster will play vital roles on both sides of the ball. Minich had 16 receptions for 251 yards, four touchdown catches, 49 total tackles and a 76-yard pick-six against West Clermont as a junior. He was named Second Team All-GMC. Minich has offers from Akron, Army, BGSU, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Duke, Harvard, Indiana, Iowa State, Kent State, Kentucky, Miami (OH), Navy, Oklahoma, Princeton, Stanford, Toledo, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and Yale.
OTHER RETURNEES
Tyler Bohn, Sr, K – A dependable and reliable weapon on special teams. Bohn connected on 24/25 extra points and 6/8 field goal attempts (long of 38-yards) for 42 kicking points as a junior.
NEWCOMERS
Taebron Bennie-Powell, Jr, RB/SS – The Lakota East transfer adds instant depth on both sides of the ball. Bennie-Powell has offers from Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, UMass, Miami (OH) and Toledo.
Bukari Miles, Jr, DB – Looks to join the rotation in the secondary. Miles has an offer from Eastern Kentucky.
Luka Gilbert, So, TE – What a frame. The 6-foot-7 Gilbert added 20 pounds (up to 225) this offseason and still has plenty of room to fill out. He has offers from UConn and Kentucky.
Cam Thomas, Fr, OLB/DB – Is physically and mentally ready to come in and contribute immediately. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound rising star already has offers from Akron, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia Tech
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(eight appearances, 8-8) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013, 2009, 2006, 2004
2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – ST. XAVIER (10-3 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Lakota East (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Sycamore (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – OAK HILLS (0-11) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Princeton (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – HAMILTON (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – MASON (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Fairfield (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at Middletown (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – COLERAIN (5-6) – 7:00 PM
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