2024 Snapshot: La Salle

It’s time to break some negative streaks and get out of this shallow abyss before it gets any deeper for La Salle. The Lancers are riding back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2012-13. They have lost nine straight league games. Their last GCL South victory was October 2^nd, 2020 (vs. Moeller, 27-25) and they haven’t won a playoff game since 2021.

There are six returning starters on each side of the ball who are rich with experience and leadership skills. This La Salle squad has the pieces in place to turn this funk around. The will be angry and playing with a chip on their shoulders.

Head coach Pat McLaughlin does worry about facing a tough schedule and depth behind his top tier players and rightly so. Being prepared if called upon and answering “the next man up” mentality by the youngsters is a must for the Lancers success. The returning letterman won’t be fazed by anyone on the slate and should embrace the opportunities they have to be giant killers.

La Salle has the upper tier talent to matchup with anyone they go up against. It will all come down to closing out opponents. A couple of early season wins should do wonders for the Lancers confidence and open the flood gates to what could be an outstanding 2024.

Division II, Region 8
2023 RECORD: 4-7, 0-3 GCL South
COACH: Pat McLaughlin (49-35 at La Salle, seven years; 68-47 overall; 10 years)
HONOR ROLL

Brady O’Connor, Sr, LB/TE – A three-year starter and the heart-and-soul of the Lancers defense. O’Connor, a OPSWA Division II Third Team All-Ohio (LB) selection as a junior has an offer from Bucknell. He has 164 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks, 14.0 tackles for losses, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, one interception, 19 receptions, 215 receiving yards and four touchdown catches in his career.

La Salle LB/TE Brady O’Connor (photo by: Photo by Shelby Frieszell / TriStateFootball.com)

Patrick McLaughlin, Sr, QB – Often overlooked because of all of, the area’s outstanding quarterbacks, McLaughlin can hold his own against any of them. He was an OPSWA Division II Second Team All-Southwest District honoree as a junior. McLaughlin has thrown for 2,787 yards, ran for 326 yards and accounted for 31 touchdowns in his career. He has committed to Dayton.

Max Welter, Sr, WR/TE – The best days are still ahead for the 6-foot-7, 215-pound Welter. He was named OPSWA Division II Second Team All-Southwest District after reeling in 45 balls for 605 yards and four touchdowns as a junior. Welter has offers from Eastern Kentucky, Cornell and Dartmouth.

Naim Jackson, Sr, OL – The time has come for Jackson to really strut his stuff. He has all-district potential, if not more, as a senior. He was named Second Team All-GCL South in 2023.

Fergus Kreider, Sr, DL – Brings the energy the Lancers defense needs in the trenches. Kreider had 25 total tackles, three-and-a-half sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups in 2023. He was named Second Team All-GCL South for his work.

Sayre Smothers, Sr, DB – The appropriately named defensive back, Smothers, did just that to opposing receivers las fall. He was a Second Team All-GCL South selection after recording 38 total tackles, three-and-a-half tackles for losses, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, four pass breakups and two interceptions.

La Salle DB Sayre Smothers (photo by: Photo by Shelby Frieszell / TriStateFootball.com)

OTHER RETURNING STARTERS
Jack Schroer, Sr, WR/DB/K – Is back for his second-year handling kicking duties. Last season, Schroer connected on 25/29 extra points, 7/13 field goals attempts and had six touchbacks on 50 kickoffs. He also caught six balls for 55 yards.

Isaac Goldschmidt, Sr, RB – Injuries have kept Goldscmidt from shining on Friday night the past two seasons. Look for him to be a bright spot for the Lancers this fall.

Devin Byrd, Sr, RB – Will need to gear up to handle more of the load running the football as a senior. Byrd ran for 223 yards, had a rushing touchdown, six receptions, 82 yards receiving and 624 all-purpose yards (473 of those yards came in the last five weeks of the season), as a junior.

Donavin Stinson, Sr, WR/RS – Was becoming a key piece of the offense when injuries set him down last season. Stinson could be a hidden gem for the Lancers in 2024. He had 13 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown in seven games a year ago.

La Salle WR Donavin Stinson (photo by: Photo by Shelby Frieszell / TriStateFootball.com)

Zach Gates, Sr, DE/LB – An attacker on the edge, Gates is a key piece of the defense. He has 50 total tackles, three-and-a-half sacks, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups in his career.

Drae Arnold, Sr, DB – An excellent cover guy who is a leader in the secondary. As a junior, Arnold was in on 22 total tackles, had five pass breakups, a fumble recovery and three interceptions.

Walter Berry, Sr, DB – When healthy, Berry has proven to be a sure tackler. In 12 varsity games over the past two seasons, he has 48 total tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception.

Hunter Ogdan, Jr, TE/DE – A rising star, who is primed for a breakout junior campaign. Like Welter, Ogdan gives McLaughlin a huge target at 6-foot-5 and 215-pounds to fire at. He had five receptions for 52 yards and two touchdowns in five games as a sophomore. Ogdan picked up his firs offer from Toledo and should see plenty more come with a great year.

NEWCOMERS
Seniors LB/S Colin Daniels, OL Jahmir Davis, OL Trevor Bennett, LB/DB Drew Dipzinski along with ATH Avier Carter, DL Dereion Spraggs, OL Wes Satterfield and TE Max Kief are all battling for starting positions. A healthy Davis could be a big boost to the offensive line.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(13 appearances, 28-9) – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 (Regional Champion), 2019 (State Champion), 2017, 2016 (State Champion), 2015 (State Champion), 2014 (State Champion), 2010, 2004, 2002, 1985

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – at Colerain (0-10 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – NORTHMONT (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – at Fairmont (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – LOUISVILLE CENTRAL (KY) (7-6) – 1:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – at Withrow  (12-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – MOELLER (10-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – at Roncalli (IN) (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – ST. XAVIER (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – HARVEST PREP (12-2) – 3:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – at Elder (7-5)  – 4:00 PM

2024 Active Leaders: GCL

Related Posts

• 
  Best Bets: Week 5
• 
  TSF Staff Picks: Week 5
• 
  TSF Week 5 Preview Show

You must be logged in to post a comment Login