Lafayette Lancers: 2011 Prep Football Preview

After back-to-back playoff seasons in 2008 and 2009, the varsity football team took a slight misstep in 2010, going 5-5 overall and missing the postseason altogether.

Many thought the Lancers might make it three playoff appearances in a row, but tough losses to rival Marquette and non-conference CBC in the final two games of the year eliminated any chance of that.

“The bottom line is we played some great opponents, and we didn’t execute very well,” Lafayette head coach Boyd Manne said. “It’s all about taking care of the football and executing your offense and defense the way your supposed to. We didn’t do those things. And that’s why we got beat.”

This year though, the coach believes he’s got a group that can get Lafayette back where it belongs–contending for the Suburban West Conference title and battling for a district playoff spot—thanks to a solid core of returning talent.

“It’s exciting every year,” Manne said. “We’ve got seniors that have waited four years for their chance to be leaders of the team. We’ve some got young, hungry underclassmen. And there’s always guys that surprise you. I feel blessed to have this job and be in the coaching profession.”

The leader of the Lancers on the field this season will be returning quarterback Dominic Bisesi.

A 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior, Bisesi was the second-highest rated passer in the Suburban West with 1,762 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

“Dom does a real good job of leading us on the field,” Manne said. “He’s a good kid, a good student, and he makes good throws and finds open receivers.”

Bisesi is actually one of seven returning starters Lafayette has on offense this season.

Also back to join him in the huddle are senior receivers William DuPont (5’11, 175) and Markuice Savage (5’8, 165); senior lineman Michael Mueller (6’2, 210); senior tight end Brock Behrndt (6’5, 230); junior fullback John Voit (6’2, 215); and junior tailback Deonte Robinson.

DuPont and Behrndt were all-Suburban West Conference selections last year.

On defense, the Lancers will see a few more changes, but will still feature a talented corps of linebackers led by seniors Nick Messer (6’3, 205), Ben Perez (6’1, 195), and two-way standout Mueller.

Another expected defensive standout for Lafayette will be returning all-conference safety Khahyil Moore.

Last season, Moore was a third-team all-Suburban West choice, after ranking among the area’s best defensive backs with 55 total tackles and one interception.

“Mikey Mueller’s the key for that group though,” Manne said. “His leadership on and off the field is what gets us going. He makes all the checks. He’s got a great motor. I always tell people that kid’s going to be a great businessman with a six-figure salary one day.”

Manne also mentioned Devin Hampton, Kevin Hampton, Gabe Kuhn, Adam Echele, and Michael Emro as players he expects to make big contributions this season.

The Lancers will begin game action this Friday, Aug. 26, when they’ll host at 7 p.m.

2011 LAFAYETTE LANCERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE