1 week Ago
Lafayette Christian Academy cornerback Chris Helaire (9) runs back an interception 46 yards for a score during the Knights' 72-0 win over Beekman Charter on Friday. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save It hasn’t been a routine season for the Lafayette Christian Knights, taking a 4-6 record into postseason play. But that doesn’t mean the No.
9-seeded team in the Division II select bracket can’t return to the state finals for the eighth straight season. The Knights opened the playoffs in fine fashion for sure with a 72-0 shellacking of No. 24 Beekman Charter on Friday.
“We had to weather any storms early,” LCA coach Matthew Standiford said. “The defense did a phenomenal job of preparation all week. We talked 11 hats to the football and I think probably 90% of the time, we had eight dudes there.
” The visiting Tigers crossed midfield on their second drive of the game, thanks to a personal foul flag on the Knights and a 14-yard by Quin Morgan. But two bad snaps later, Beekman was facing fourth-and-43 and the Tigers never crossed midfield again in the game. Beekman finished the game with six first downs and 30 total yards.
“Our defensive staff did a great job,” Standiford added. LCA’s offense got the ball rolling on the scoreboard, getting a 13-yard TD run from Jalen Noel and a 24-yard scoring grab from Calvin Parker to make it 15-0 with 8:37 still left in the first period. Caiden Bellards 18-yard touchdown run was followed by a 41-yard scoring gallop for quarterback Braylon Walker to make it 29-0.
That’s when the Knights’ defense got into the scoring act when Chris Helaire returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown. “Chris is a kid who actually could be one of our better receivers if we played them on offense,” Standiford said. “He’s been a lock-down corner for us since his sophomore year.
He’s a kid who last year against Teurlings had three straight possessions with an interception. He’s a ball hawk. He’s one of those guys that in practice, we actually throw to the other side, because he’s so dominant.
” It was the first of two interceptions in the game for the senior cornerback. “He did a great job tonight,” Standiford added. “He always finds a way to get his hands on it.
He had picks in the first and second games of the season, so in the middle they didn’t really throw at him. Tonight, he took advantage.” The special teams contributed two touchdowns as well with Nolan Staricka and Cade Cina recovering fumbles in the end zone on botched punts.
Offensively, Noel led the way with 129 yards and three scores on 10 carries, in addition to two receptions for 27 yards. “We have an unselfish group,” Standiford said. “Our starting running back Jalen Noel rushed for 1,200 yards last year and here’s a dude that put himself in the blocking spot as a running back, so that one of the young kids could get a touchdown tonight.
“We have a lot of selflessness and I think that’s really what has propelled us down the stretch.” Walker finished with 114 yards passing for 9-of-12 passing, as well as two carries for 48 yards and a score. “Our upper classman especially have been through a lot,” Standiford said.
“This is their four head coach in three years. They’ve leaned on each other. They haven’t really listened to what the outside people are saying.
It’s been a great thing.” The Knights finished with 18 first downs, 239 yards rushing and 114 passing. “One hundred percent (peaking late),” Standiford exclaimed.
“Early in the year, obviously our schedule was tough. Ask anybody and they’ll tell you that. It showed us a lot.
Coaching-wise, especially since the switch, we’ve learned a lot about ourselves. “We’ve been able to lean more on each other and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. That’s kind of help us, but the kids have really rallied behind us.
” With the win, the Knights will travel to meet district foe Notre Dame in the regional round. “We’ve actually been in this spot the last two years,” Standiford said. “Our first year in 4A, we lost to Teurlings in the regular season and beat them in the semifinals.
Last year, we were fortunate enough to beat them twice, so playing somebody for the second time is not something that’s abnormal for these guys. “Notre Dame is obviously well-coached ..
. they’ve got some dudes, but we do too. That’s one thing we’re excited about to get another opportunity.
I think we’re light years better than we were in week 7.”.
