Although the Lafayette offense gets more attention, it was the hard-hitting Lancer’s defense that the key to upsetting Cardinal Ritter in the MSHSAA Class 5 State quarterfinals.
The Lancer defense had 5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and forced 5 4th down turnovers, en route to Lafayette’s triumph over the back-to-back State Champions Cardinal Ritter, 30-18.
“[Ritter is] an outstanding football team and our boys knew what they needed to do and they executed and they played with great fundamentals, great effort, great speed and great desire and I’m really proud of them,” head coach Boyd Manne said.
Lafayette (12-1) move on to the final four of the State tournament and will face Helias Catholic (11-1), at Helias, Nov, 30.
This is the sixth time in school history that Lafayette has made it to the final four. They have never made it farther.
“We just need focus on keep improving on what we have been doing and eliminate mistakes, and take care of the football,” Coach Boyd Manne said.
Despite being considered an upset win, the Lancers never trailed the Lions and maintained the lead the entirety of the game.
Lafayette (12-1) was able to control the game due to a strong defensive performance, allowing just 403 total yards. The secondary forced the Ritter (9-2) senior quarterback and Illinois Commit to a 62.9% completion rate and 3 interceptions.
“I gave it all I had throughout the whole game and persevering was a big challenge,” junior defensive lineman Noah Ice said. Ice played a big role in the game getting 2 sacks and 13 total tackles.
The Lions only had 3 scoring drives and failed to convert any of their three 2-point attempts.
“We just do what we have to do and play our hearts out,” senior defensive back Greg Robinson said, who had an interception and 9 tackles, “[Next week] we have to win for coach because he hasn’t been there in a while.”
Interception for the Lancers!! Greg Robinson takes ur to the 7 yd line! pic.twitter.com/zgeZIZyRjO
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Junior wide receiver Terrance Bills also had a big game, having 111 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
“It was big, because [Lions] were the two time State Champions, and we just came in and beat them,” Bills said, “We can’t get big-headed just because we beat the two time State Champions. [Cardinal Ritter] thought we would be light work, so we can’t think this [Helias Catholic] will be light work. We need to go in prepared.”
Lions’ run is stuffed by the Lancers! 2nd and 9 pic.twitter.com/McyUXPI74j
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
WR Robby Preckel runs it into the Endzone. Touchdown Lancers! pic.twitter.com/PICBHeWviu
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Lancers reach the QB for the Sack! pic.twitter.com/I1b3kDx6gu
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Cardinal Ritter’s pass is Picked Off by LB Brady Calderon! pic.twitter.com/DZbhlK1YmO
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Lancers convert on 3rd Down as WR Robby Preckel keeps himself in bounds! pic.twitter.com/Yo3lGbkfMG
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
WR Terrence Bills waltzes into the Endzone for the Lancer Touchdown! pic.twitter.com/70x8DzIMgr
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Jeremy Williams drags the WR out of bounds as the Lions pick up the first down! pic.twitter.com/wwRL0Ba6Nw
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
4th and 10 for the Lions pic.twitter.com/BdDak4OHMj
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Jack Behl connects with WR Terrence Bills for the Lancer Touchdown! pic.twitter.com/qSQEVYQa6R
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Lancers reach the QB for the Sack! pic.twitter.com/l2A76F1lu3
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024
Brady Micek breaks free and takes it to the 15! pic.twitter.com/oWEcdR9BEu
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) November 23, 2024