LCS Football
by Micah Bhachech

The Lafayette Christian School Cougars began their football season certain that it would be one of the toughest in history for the third-year program.  Several key players graduated, leaving the young team with empty spots on the field and impressive precedents to live up to.  LCS had to replace their starting quarterback, center, and middle linebacker in addition to other players.

The players, especially the seniors, did not back down from their challenge.  Tyler Cranford became the Cougars quarterback and led the team in scoring with 16 touchdowns, six in the air and 10 on the ground.  The team’s two fullbacks, Austin Jordan and Micah Bhachech, stepped into their new positions and excelled.  Nathan Chola kept his position at running back and, as expected, had a season full of rapid sprints and hard runs.  Caleb Bridwell consistently fought his opponents with reckless abandon on the offensive and defensive lines.  Drew Channel extended his near-perfect record as field goal kicker, boasting only one missed PAT of the season, and played on both sides of the ball until a gruesome injury sidelined him late in the season. Newcomer Kartwright Asnip was not only an important secondary quarterback and first string receiver leading the team in receiving with three touchdown receptions, but was in many ways the team’s heart, providing encouragement from the sidelines and the field.

The seniors lived up to the reputation of character, class, and pride exhibited by last season’s upperclassmen and carried on the tradition of persistence for Lafayette football. Their efforts paid off when the Cougars defeated rival Heritage Academy for the first time.  LCS also won a decisive victory over Twiggs Academy, earning another first for the program: a spot in the playoffs.  According to Cougars offensive coach Glenn Quiggle, the young team “put the sweat in the bucket” and came away from the season having set important precedents and holding high hopes for next year.

Though the season ended with a losing record for Lafayette, the Cougars will return with more experience next season.  Many starter players were freshmen who improved as the season progressed and will continue to do so in coming years.  The line on both sides of the ball is relatively young but progressing quickly.  The encouraging number of underclassmen with talent, time and tenacity promises that great things are in store for Lafayette football.  The victories of season have encouraged the Cougars to continue to work hard during practice and on game day while the defeats instilled the dogged perseverance they need to succeed.