2022 Snapshot: Lawrenceburg

Four times in the last five years Lawrenceburg has gone 11-2 with 11 game winning streaks in each of those campaigns. Accomplishing a feat like those again will take a monumental effort for the Tigers considering they have to replace an All-American offensive lineman (Ashton Craig) who went to Notre Dame, one of the most prolific passers in Indiana history (Garrett Yoon), a Division I receiver (Dhaya Patel) and many other key pieces that surround those three great players. If there is a program capable of doing just that, it would be this one.

“We lost some dudes. We have holes to fill,” head coach Ryan Knigga states. “This team will grow each week. Our goals are not changing and our kids know what the expectation is. We do not plan to rebuild and our kids know that. Some of these new kids have waited a few years for their opportunity. There are good players who are ready to write their chapter. The time is here.”

The last three years Lawrenceburg has predicated its success around its offense. In that span, the Tigers scored 41 points or more 22 times, averaged 38.8 points per game, averaged 411.7 yards of total offense per game (217.2 rush, 194.5 pass) with 215 offensive touchdowns (129 rush, 86 pass).

“We will build around our defense. Most of the time we are building off of our offense and we have always had some explosive players on that side of the ball. We still have those guys, but they are just inexperienced. Our defense will keep us in games and help our offense as the season goes on,” Knigga says.

Knigga sums it up best about this Lawrenceburg program that has elevated itself to whole new level under his guidance. “We have the talent. We just need to find a way to win games and championships and our kids know how to do that.”

Class 3A, Sectional 31
2021 RECORD: 11-2, 4-0 EIAC 3A Division
COACH: Ryan Knigga (99-35 at Lawrenceburg, 11 years; 99-35 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Nico Ferreira, Sr, H-back/TE/LB – The leader of the defense who is a downhill player that moves well in space. Ferreira tallied 116 total tackles, had eight sacks and two interceptions on his way to being named the EIAC 3A Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.

Jake Pierce, Sr, H-back/LB – A smart player who understands football and can get it done on both sides of the ball. Pierce was named 3A All-EIAC (TE/FB) for a second straight season in 2021 after getting in on 82 total tackles, with six tackles for losses and four takeaways (three FRs, one INT). On offense, Pierce ran for four touchdowns. He has 148 total tackles and eight rushing touchdowns in his career.

Colton Roth, Sr, OL/DL – Back for his second season as a starter, Roth is physical player who has a high motor. He was named Class 3A All-EIAC (OL) as a junior.

Alex Witte, Sr, LB – A physical and athletic linebacker who is also a stud on special teams. Witte was named Class 3A All-EIAC (DE) after recording 51 total tackles, five sacks, 11.0 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception last fall.

Noah Knigga, So, LB – Stepped right in and played like a veteran as a freshman. Knigga is athletic and can tackle in space. He could be a dynamic player on both sides of the ball this fall. Knigga was named Class 3A All-EIAC (DE) after registering 69 total tackles, five sacks, 14.0 tackles for losses and three fumble recoveries a year ago.

Lawrenceburg DE Noah Knigga (photo from Twitter: @noahk105)

OTHER RETURNEES
Brennan Bushman, Sr, DB – A key part to the Tigers secondary the past two seasons. Bushman is a quiet leader who reacts to the ball in the air very well. He has four career interceptions.

Teagan Bennett, Jr, RB – A hard runner with great speed who can run inside and outside. Bennett has good feet and an outstanding burst to the second level. He ran for 752 and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Brayden Combs, Jr, WR – Has great top end speed and good hands. Combs is going to be a really good receiver for the Tigers over the next two campaigns. He will also be a force in the return game on special teams.

Joey Cavanaugh, Jr, OL – A good blocker and smart player who grew up fast as a sophomore. Cavanaugh stepped and played in almost every game at center.

Ryan Hinthorne, So, K – A very talented young kicker with a strong leg. Hinthorne connected on 46/53 extra points and his only field goal attempt from 40-yards out for 53 kicking points as a freshman.

Lawrenceburg QB Logan Ahaus (photo from Twitter: @LBurgFootball)

NEWCOMERS
Seniors OL Rylan Erfman, TE/H-back/DE Sam Cornett, TE/LB Chase Bradley along with juniors QB Logan Ahaus, WR/DB Hayden Saymor, WR/DB, Zavyn Slayback, WR/DB, Caden Baker and sophomore RB/DB Landon Cornett. Erfman is an athletic lineman who is a good blocker and moves well in space. Ahaus has already played in 14 games at quarterback as a back up.

PLAYOFF HISTORY (79-42)
Sectional Champion (20) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2005, 1999, 1998, 1992, 1991, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1976 & 1975.
Regional Champion (five) – 2016, 1985, 1984, 1978 & 1975.
Semi-State Champion (two) – 2016 & 1985.
State Champion (two) – 1978 & 1975.

2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – at East Central (10-3 in 2021) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – TAYLOR (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – MILAN (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – GREENSBURG (4-5)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Franklin County (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – at Batesville (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – RUSHVILLE (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – CONNERSVILLE (3-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at South Dearborn (7-4)  – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – TBD: IHSAA Sectional 31 Playoffs

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