LaSalle Lancers State Semifinal Preview: The Braves Are On Their Own Historical Journey

The time has come for the LaSalle Lancers, who have defied expectations and carved their path to the Final Four, to face a formidable opponent in the Olentangy Braves. Fresh off claiming their first regional championship, the Braves are riding high and bringing an impressive perfect record of 13-0.

The Braves are buzzing after their thrilling 41-29 victory over Dublin Scioto in the Division II, Region 5 final. Yet, amidst the accolades, defensive lineman and fullback Chris Crumb keeps his team grounded, stating, “It's just another game.” His sentiment resonates deeply; both teams are focused solely on showcasing their best football.

The stakes couldn't be higher as we stand on the brink of this epic matchup at Welcome Stadium in Dayton. Despite Olentangy’s flawless record, the Lancers are undeterred. After a commanding 38-6 victory over Cincinnati Mount Healthy in their regional final, LaSalle has repeatedly proven they belong among the elite. They are no longer the underdogs of years past; they have risen to the occasion, fueled by an unbreakable bond and a shared vision of glory.

The Braves are led by a dynamic duo: quarterback Deeb Haber and running back Anthony Golden. Haber’s arm has propelled him to impressive season stats, with over 2,573 yards and 22 touchdowns, while Golden has been a relentless force on the ground, amassing nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. Supporting their offensive prowess is a run defense that has allowed just 2.5 yards per carry, anchored by linemen Connor Slade—who has recorded a staggering 36 tackles for loss and 21 sacks—and Chris Crumb, with 22 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. Linebackers Jake Didion and Jimmy Elmurr also contribute significantly, with 26 and 18 tackles for loss, respectively.

But the Lancers are poised to stand firm, drawing on their strength and resilience. LaSalle’s ground game, headlined by the explosive Jeremy Larkin and the powerful Jarell White, has been sensational this season. Larkin, a force to be reckoned with, boasts 2,241 rushing yards and a staggering 31 touchdowns. His ability to break through defenses has earned him the title of Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year, and the Lancers will rely heavily on his prowess to control the game's tempo.

With junior quarterback Nick Watson leading the charge, the Lancers possess a balanced offensive attack capable of striking from anywhere on the field. Watson’s dual-threat capability, with nearly 1,000 passing yards and over 400 rushing yards, adds another layer of complexity for the Olentangy defense. The Braves will face LaSalle’s defensive unit, led by a formidable defensive back, Avery Larkin, who has snagged six interceptions this season. Linebackers Kyle Farwick and Adam McBee add depth with their 87 tackles and eight sacks combined.

The Lancers understand the challenge that lies ahead. Coach Nate Moore has instilled a fierce determination in his players, emphasizing the importance of playing smart and disciplined football. They are prepared to face a battle-tested Olentangy squad that has proven its composure in high-pressure situations, including their ability to withstand a late-game surge from Dublin Scioto.

The Final Four awaits, and the Lancers are ready to continue scripting their own chapter into the history books.

This is our time.

Go Lancers!

#LRD

Darryl Meadows

Client Manager, Premier-rx.us