After starting the season 0-2, the Lancers finally got the monkey off their back with a 35-7 win over Mehlville on Sept. 10. It was by far the team’s strongest showing yet, especially on offense. To put it in perspective, consider this: The team gained 364 yards against the Panthers, just 103 fewer than its season total coming in.

Junior Dominic Bisesi started at quarterback and finished with 174 yards and two touchdowns on 9 of 19 passing. It was the first time he had received extended playing time at the varsity level.

“I was a little nervous at first but the coaches put in a great game plan and it’s always easy to succeed when you have your linemen dominating and opening up huge holes and you have great playmakers on your side,” he said.

Bisesi got most of his help from junior Will Dupont, who began the year as the team’s starting quarterback. But after struggling through the first two games, Dupont was moved to wide receiver where he earned All-Conference honors last season. The move paid off as the two juniors connected on five pass completions for 87 yards. Senior Thomas Swoboda also had a strong game, running for 85 yards on 12 carries.

Defensively, the Lancers gave Mehlville all it could handle. The Panthers were unable to mount any sort of comeback thanks to a unit that forced four fumbles and reached the quarterback for five sacks.

Lafayette will look to even its record at home against McCluer North on Sept. 17.