![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
The Lancers will kick off the varsity football season Friday, Aug. 24, when they take on the Eureka Wildcats in the Battle of 109. After the strong victory last year, the Lancers are confident going into the season opener.
The Lancers have been preparing for this game since last spring and are looking for a key victory to start off their season, but they have to be on top of their game.
“We need to play great defense, take care of the ball, and do all of the little things right in order to win,” Head Coach Boyd Manne said. Manne, entering his ninth year as Head Coach, is eager for a strong win over the rival Wildcats.
Manne has a strong senior lineup this year, looking to make a run at State. Among them are OL Niles Burdell, senior OL Adam Echele, senior DL Austin Gain, senior QB Matt Goro, senior WR/LB-Shaquille Holley, senior OT/DT Gabe Kuhn, senior DB/WR Elliot Montgomery, senior DL Zach Reid, senior LB Joshua Ripp, senior RB/DB Deonte Robinson, senior LB-FB Kevin Root, senior TE/DE John Voit, senior WR Kyle Wright.
“It means everything when we play Eureka. We play like it’s the State Championship,” Holley said. Holley enters his senior season at wide receiver and linebacker.
“We have two really enthusiastic teams, it’s going to be a great atmosphere,” Manne said.
The students, in support of the team, are purchasing “Battle of 109” shirts on sale today at lunch in the Commons.
“We need to compete, believe in each other, and make sure we are all focused on one thing, winning,” Holley said.
In addition to the strong senior class, the Lancers have some junior stars that are looking to make an impact. Leading the Junior Class are LB Alex Brcic, WR/DB Cole Dupont, RB/S Kevin Hampton and QB Evan Scales.
“We need to work hard, play hard, and execute in order to beat Eureka,” Robinson said.
The Battle of 109 will start at 7 p.m. at Lafayette.
