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It won’t be known until early Sunday morning when the final OHSAA Region 4 computer rankings are released, but Lakota East may have spoiled Lakota West’s season with a 33-21 upset win at Lakota West High School Friday night.

Heading into the game No. 6 in the region 4 computer rankings (top eight qualify for postseason), Lakota West could have locked up its first playoff berth since 2009 with a win over its school district rival.

Meanwhile, Lakota East, which entered the week No. 11 in the computer rankings, will have to wait and see if it qualified for the postseason for the first time in school history.

“I have to be honest, I have no idea what has to happen (to make the postseason),” Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes said. “When I was at Colerain (as an assistant coach), we were always working on the projections and we didn’t even do that this year because I wanted our kids to be worried about playing well tonight.”

Whether East makes the postseason or not, the 26 seniors and other Lakota East athletes that make up the roster are proud that they were able to snap a seven-game losing streak against Lakota West.

The win is also East’s first over the Firebirds since 2004.

“We really have a great group of seniors this year and we knew we had to do this because it had just been way too long of a streak,” Lakota East senior linebacker Jake Chestnut said. “As our coaches have been saying all week, ‘we have the right group at the right time, at the right point of history to break that streak.’”

After falling behind 7-0 early in the first quarter, Lakota East senior running Chamada Palmore evened the score with a 25-yard touchdown run. Palmore, who played for the first time since breaking his left knuckle in two places during a game against Sycamore on Oct. 5, finished with 69 rushing yards on eight carries.

“Chamada had worked so hard in the offseason and was so improved from last year. It was just a shame that he had to miss the last two games for us. You could just see the anguish on his face when he couldn’t play,” Haynes said. “I was just so happy for him when the doctor cleared him to get back out there.”

Palmore wasn’t the only runner out there for the Thunderhawks, as senior running back Will Mahone finished with 102 yards on 21 carries and junior quarterback Eric Eichler rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

Eichler also scored through the air when he found senior Keith Brady for a 26-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that put East ahead 21-7.

After Lakota West added a touchdown by way of a 16-yard pass from junior quarterback Malik Grove to junior wide receiver Tyler Jones late in the second quarter, Lakota East got on the board first in the second half when senior safety Rob Harpring returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown to give East a 27-14 advantage.

West would add another score when Grove scored on a 1-yard run, cutting the lead to 27-21 in the third quarter.

However, trailing with 2 minutes left in the game, senior Nate Mays clinched the win for Lakota East when he intercepted Grove and returned it 25 yards for the touchdown.

For West, who started the year 8-0 for the first time in school history, the loss likely eliminates the team from postseason play and ends the 2012 season with back-to-back losses to Colerain and Lakota East.

“This team deserves a better fate,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said.

“I think we are a playoff team, but it is not looking good. That is a bitter pill to swallow because if we can take the No. 1 seed (Colerain) to the end of a game then we deserve to be there … but the system will not allow it.”

LW – Horton 13-yard run (Martin kick)
LE – Palmore 25-yard run (Smith kick)
LE – Eichler 3-yard run (Smith kick)
LE – Brady 26-yard pass from Eichler (Smith kick)
LW – Jones 16-yard pass from Grove (Martin kick)
LE – Harpring 56-yard punt return (kick block)
LW – Grove 1-yard run (Martin Kick)
LE – Mays 25-yard touchdown return (kick failed)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Lakota East 33, Lakota West 21 - final – Lakota East senior Derek Sasthav just intercepted Lakota West junior quarterback Malik Grove with 1:42 left in 4th quarter.

Lakota East 33, Lakota West 21 - 2:00 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East junior Nate Mays just intercepted Lakota West junior quarterback Malik Grove’s pass with 2 minutes to play. West now trails by 12 points with under two minutes to play.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 - 4:33 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East just converted a 4-and-2 from the Lakota West 43-yard line with a 3-yard run by senior Will Mahone. That play gives Mahone 101 yards on 20 carries. More importantly, the play gives East the opportunity to run more clock.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 - 8:21 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East was driving down the field, but junior Eric Eichler fumbled the snap which was recovered by senior defensive end Luke Scott at the Lakota West 20-yard line. However, the Firebirds just went 3-and-out.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 – 3:09 left in 3rd quarter – Lakota West junior Malik Grove scored on a 1-yard TD run. On the previous play, Grove connected with junior Tyler Jones on a 59-yard pass play.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 14 – 8:57 left in 3rd quarter – Lakota West drove down to the 3-yard line, but Lakota West junior Malik Grove threw an interception in the endzone on 4th-and-goal to Lakota East senior Tyler Schlensker.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 14 – 10:24 left in the 3rd quarter – Lakota West went 3-and-out on the first possession of the second half. Lakota East senior Rob Harpring then returned the punt 56 yards for the touchdown. (more…)

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Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Lakota East junior Nate Mays scores a touchdown in a win against Middletown this season. Lakota East and Lakota West both head into this Friday’s rivalry with a lot at stake. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com.

For the 15th time since Lakota High School split into two schools, students, alumni, faculty, parents and fans will pack a football stadium this Friday at 7:30 p.m. to witness Lakota East and Lakota West battle in one of the region’s top rivalries.

But there is more on the line than just football bragging rights.

There are principals who could end up having their faces drilled with pie or forced to wear the opposing school’s colors, depending on which Lakota school wins the annual food drive. There is also spirit week, as well as pizza parties and other prizes to win in the days leading up to the game.

“Even though we both will compete hard on the field Friday night and in the food drive, at the end of the day, the best of Lakota will shine through,” said Lakota West principal Gary Elgin Card, whose school will host the game this season.

Card is sweating the food drive, which produced more than 19,000 pounds of donated food for Reach Out Lakota last fall, because the losing principal will have to switch spiritwear after the winning school is announced at halftime. That principal will then have don those colors during the second half of the game and on the following Monday at school.

Lakota West senior wide receiver Grant Pence tries to avoid defenders in a 57-44 loss at Colerain last Friday. The loss was the first of the season for the Firebirds, who could lock up a playoff spot with a win against rival Lakota East this week. The Thunderhawks, however, could sneak into the postseason with a win and some help. Photo taken by Greg Loring.

When it comes to the game, If history is any indication of what could happen, Lakota East principal Suzanna Davis might be one who needs to worry as her Thunderhawks have lost seven straight to Lakota West and haven’t beaten the Firebirds since 2004.

It did appear last fall, that the streak was going to end until Lakota West quarterback Malik Grove threw a touchdown pass to then senior Kayuane Ross with 31.9 seconds left to go, giving West a 25-20 win.

Last season’s loss was the third time that Lakota East came up just short since its win in 2004, losing to West 30-27 in overtime in 2005 and by the score of 20-19 in 2008.

This season’s game will likely be even more meaningful, as playoff spots are on line. Lakota West (8-1 overall, 5-1 in the Greater Miami Conference), which is No. 6 in the OHSAA Region 4 computer rankings (top 8 teams qualify for postseason), needs a win to lock up its first playoff berth since 2009.

Meanwhile, Lakota East (6-3 overall, 4-2 in the GMC), which is No. 11 in the computer rankings, could possibly sneak in the postseason with a win and some help.

“Obviously, it is something we think about because our goal is play in Week 11, but I know some of that stuff is out of our hands in terms of what other teams do,” said Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes, who hopes to lead East to its first-ever postseason appearance. “So our focus needs to be on playing the best we can and winning this football game.”

In order to win the game, Lakota East will rely heavily on its running game, which is ranked second in the GMC with an average of 292 rushing yards per game. Leading the potent attack is senior Will Mahone with 963 yards and 15 touchdowns on 157 carries. The No. 2 back, Chamada Palmore, who has rushed for 479 yards and two scores on 62 carries, could be back after breaking his knuckles in a game against Sycamore on Oct. 5.

Ironically, Lakota West’s top rusher this season, Mikel Horton, led Lakota East in rushing as a sophomore last season. Horton, whose family moved prior to the school year, has rushed for 955 yards and 12 touchdowns on 187 carries this fall.

Horton is an exception, as many of these student athletes have stayed on the same team for their entire high school careers. On Friday, a total of 48 seniors combined between the two schools will take part in their last East/West game.

“These kids have all grown up playing together,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said. “This is sort of the end of football for a lot of them and something they would obviously like to hang their hat on.

“This game will be a heavyweight battle.”

Impact players

Lakota East Thunderhawks

• Jr.. QB Eric Eichler – 23-of-44 passes for 339 yards, 6 TDs and 1 INT, 470 rushing yards and 8 TDs on 111 carries
• Sr. RB Will Mahone – 963 rushing yards and 15 TDs on 157 carries
• Jr. RB Bobby Brown – 339 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 53 carries, 98 receiving yards and 1 TD on 7 catches
• Jr. OL Jarrett LaRubbio – offers from Akron and Pittsburgh
• Jr. WR/DB/KR Nate Mays – 185 receiving yards and 5 TDs on 12 catches, 25.5 KR average, 3 INTs
• Sr. LB Jake Chestnut – leads team with 52 total tackles (4 for loss) and 2 pass breakups
• Sr. LB Keith Brady – 32 total tackles (4.5 for loss), 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble
• Sr. RB Chamada Palmore – Been out last two weeks with injury, hopes to return – 479 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 62 carries

Lakota West Firebirds

• Jr. QB Malik Grove – 72-of-158 passes for 948 yards, 10 TDs and 6 INTs, 499 rushing yards and 10 TDs on 94 carries
• Jr. RB Mikel Horton – 955 rushing yards and 12 TDs on 187 carries
• Soph. RB Kole Gentry – 435 rushing yards and 6 TDs on 70 carries
• Jr. K/WR/TE Justin Martin – 84 yards and 2 TDs on 7 catches; made 9-of-12 FGs and 34-38 EPs
• Sr. OL Kyle Meadows – offers from top Division I programs including Florida State
• Sr. DL Luke Scott – 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT, leads team with 44 tackles
• Sr. DB Tyler Cross – 6 INTs (school record), 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick
• Sr. DB Nick Bengal – Played all season with two broken wrists – leads team with 8 pass breakups, also has 32 total tackles and a blocked kick

For game story, check back here on WestChesterBuzz.com

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Lakota East sophomore Hayden Senger races for a 78-yard touchdown run in a game against Fairfield Oct. 19, 2012. Lakota East won the game 41-28. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com. For more photos of this game, visit http://proofs.trimphotoandvideo.com/g/101912fairfield_east

Lakota East snapped a two-game losing streak by defeating Fairfield by the score of 41-28 at the Hawks Nest Friday night.

Pacing the Thunderhawks’ rushing attack was senior Will Mahone, who rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries in the win. Overall, as a team, Lakota East rushed for a total of 372 yards.

After Mahone’s third and final touchdown, Lakota East led 41-7 in the third quarter.

Teammate, sophomore Hayden Senger, also had a big game for Lakota East throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass and scoring on a 78-yard run.

In the fourth quarter, Fairfield added three touchdowns to make the score closer. All three of those touchdowns came on pass plays from senior quarterback Ryan Nuss to junior Herman Brunis, who finished with six receptions for 138 yards.

The win improves Lakota East’s record to 6-3 overall and 4-2 within the Greater Miami Conference. Fairfield, on the other hand, falls to 2-7 overall and 0-6 in the GMC.

LE – Senger 78-yard run (Smith kick)
LE – Mays 19-yard pass from Senger (Smith kick)
F – Harris 22-yard run (Nuss kick)
LE – Mahone 4-yard run (kick failed)
LE – Mahone 33-yard run (Smith kick)
LE – Chestnut blocked punt recovery (Smith kick)
LE – Mahone 2-yard run (Smith kick)
F – Brunis 20-yard pass from Nuss (Nuss kick)
F – Brunis 17-yard pass from Nuss (Nuss kick)
F – Brunis 35-yard pass from Nuss (Nuss kick)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, Chamada Palmore, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Fairfield, Fairfield football, Herman Brunis, Jimmy Trauthwein, Johnathan Byrd, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Miles Harris, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Mason senior Darryl Johnson rushed for a career-high 229 yards and scored two touchdowns on 33 carries to lead Mason to a 28-13 win against Lakota East Oct. 12. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com. For more photos of this game, visit http://proofs.trimphotoandvideo.com/g/101212east_mason

Lakota East (5-3 overall, 3-2 in the Greater Miami Conference) will try to rebound from back-to-back losses when it hosts Fairfield (2-6 overall, 0-5 in the GMC) this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Last Friday, Lakota East lost on the road against Mason by the score of 28-13, while Fairfield lost to Colerain by the score of 65-6.

Fairfield: After winning its first two games of the season, the Indians have lost six straight and all five of their games against GMC opponents. Just in the past two weeks, Fairfield has been outscored 120 to 19 in losses against Colerain and Mason. Despite the blowouts, Fairfield nearly upset Sycamore (now 7-1 overall, 4-1 in the GMC), falling 48-41, on Sept. 28. Statistically, Fairfield is led by senior quarterback Miles Harris, who is second in the GMC with 886 passing yards, and has completed 56-of-99 passes for 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Harris’ top targets are junior Herman Brunis (308 yards and 1 touchdown on 18 receptions), senior Jimmy Trauthwein (256 yards and 3 touchdowns on 16 receptions) and senior Johnathan Byrd (184 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 receptions). On defense, senior defensive back Mike Williams has three sacks, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. Overall, Fairfield is averaging 238 yards and 21.1 points per game on offense and is allowing 381.5 yards and 36.6 points per game on defense. Compared to other GMC teams, the Indians are ranked No. 9 out of 10 in both categories.

Lakota East: Two weeks ago, the Thunderhawks were No. 6 in Ohio High School Athletic Association’s region 4 computer rankings (top eight qualify for postseason) and were on pace to qualify for the postseason for the first time in school history. Two losses later, 28-7 against Sycamore on Oct. 5 and 28-13 at Mason on Oct. 12, Lakota East is now No. 12 in the computer rankings. The Thunderhawks, however, are still in the top ten in The Cincinnati Enquirer coaches’ poll at No. 8. Statistically, senior running back Will Mahone is the team’s leading rusher with 787 yards and 12 touchdowns on 134 carries. Other key members of Lakota East’s triple-option attack include junior quarterback Eric Eichler (437 yards and 8 touchdowns on 103 carries), senior running back Chamada Palmore (479 yards and 2 touchdowns on 62 carries) and junior running back Bobby Brown (284 yards and 2 touchdowns on 46 carries). Overall, Lakota East is averaging 324.4 yards and 28.6 points per game on offense and is allowing 276.3 yards and 17.8 points per game on defense. Compared to other GMC teams, the Thunderhawks are ranked No. 6 on offense and No. 5 on defense out of 10 programs.

Bottom line: Excluding the Sycamore game, the Indians have been outscored 193 to 53 in their other four GMC games this fall. If that trend continues, Lakota East should be able to snap its two-game losing streak. However, if Fairfield’s close game at Sycamore in late September shows anything – it is anything can happen on any given Friday.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, Chamada Palmore, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Fairfield, Fairfield football, Herman Brunis, Jimmy Trauthwein, Johnathan Byrd, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Miles Harris, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Lakota East junior Nate Mays reaches for the touchdown in a 56-0 win against Hamilton Sept. 28, 2012. In the past three weeks, Mays has four receiving touchdowns. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com. For more photos of this game, visit http://proofs.trimphotoandvideo.com/g/092812east_ham

Behind a total of 480 rushing yards, Lakota East cruised to a 56-0 win against Hamilton Friday night. The win improves the Thunderhawks’ record to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Greater Miami Conference.

Lakota East junior Bobby Brown celebrates the game’s first touchdown in what turned out to be a 56-0 win at Hamilton Sept. 28. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com. For more photos of this game, visit http://proofs.trimphotoandvideo.com/g/092812east_ham

The Lakota East’s large stable of rushers included senior Will Mahone (105 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries), senior Chamada Palmore (96 yards on 10 carries), junior Eric Eichler (55 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries), junior Bobby Brown (95 yards and a touchdown on seven carries), senior Kenny Smith (63 yards and a touchdown on seven carries), sophomore Hayden Senger (29 yards on seven carries), junior Deshaun Jackson (22 yards on four carries) and sophomore Conolly Boughner (15 yards on four carries).

In addition to his two rushing touchdowns, Eichler completed 2-of-3 passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns. The touchdown passes went for 11 yards to junior Nate Mays and for 34 yards to senior Justin Smith, according to the Greater Miami Conference website. So far this season, through six games, Eichler has rushed for seven touchdowns and threw for six more.

After the victory against Hamilton, Lakota East now has five wins in a season for the first time since 2005 and is off to its best start since 2004. Heading into the week, the Thunderhawks were No. 7 in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Region 4 computer rankings.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams in the region’s computing rankings will qualify for the postseason. In its history, Lakota East has never qualified for the postseason in football.

Next Friday, Oct. 5, will provide Lakota East with an opportunity to move up in the computer rankings when it hosts Sycamore (5-1 overall, 2-1 in GMC – No. 6 in region’s computer rankings) at 7:30 p.m. After the Sycamore contest, Lakota East will wrap up the 2012 regular season on the road at Mason (3-3 overall, 1-2 in GMC) Oct. 12, at home against Fairfield (2-4 overall, 0-3 in GMC) Oct. 19 and on the road at school district rival Lakota West (6-0 overall, 3-0 in GMC) Oct. 26.

LE-Brown 29-yard run (Gasser kick)
LE-J. Smith 34-yard pass from Eichler (Gasser kick)
LE-Eichler 2-yard run (Gasser kick)
LE-Mays 11-yard pass from Eichler (Gasser kick)
LE-Mahone 3-yard run (Gasser kick)
LE-Mahone 2-yard run (Gasser kick)
LE-Eichler 1-yard run (Gasser kick)
LE-K. Smith 8-yard run (G. Smith kick)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Chamada Palmore, Conolly Boughner, Deshaun Jackson, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Hayden Senger, Kenny Smith, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Will Mahone

Lakota East junior quarterback Eric Eichler eludes defenders in a 42-7 win against Western Hills Aug. 24, 2012. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com. For more photos of this game, visit http://proofs.trimphotoandvideo.com/g/082412wh_east.

Lakota East sophomore kicker Grant Smith made a short field goal as time expired in a 17-14 win at Northmont Saturday night. Smith finished the game by making all three of his field goal attempts.

Overall, the Lakota East offense dominated the time of possession battle – winning 30:28 to 17:32 – but needed every second in the 4th quarter.

Trailing 14-6 entering the quarter, the Thunderhawks blocked a field goal, scored a touchdown on a 2-yard run by junior quarterback Eric Eichler, converted a two-point try and saw Smith make his game-winning field goal.

For the game, Eichler finished with 80 rushing yards on 16 carries. He also completed 5-of-10 passes for 65 yards and had an interception.

Helping the Thunderhawks out rush Northmont – 213 to 50 – on the ground were running backs senior Will Mahone (40 yards on 15 carries), senior Chamada Palmore (35 yards on 10 carries and junior Bobby Brown (58 yards on 10 carries).

Defensively, junior defensive lineman Sam Stephenson led Lakota East with 6 total tackles and 2 sacks. Also, senior linebacker Blake Bostick and senior DL Ben Bostick each recorded a sack in the win.

Leading the Thunderbolts’ offense was senior quarterback Cameron Belton, who completed 12-of-19 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown.

L – Smith 36-yard FG
L – Smith 22-yard FG
N – Kenerly 1-yard run (Rice kick)
N – Tayler 19-yard pass from Belton (Rice kick)
L – Eichler 2-yard run (Mahone catch)
L – Smith 20-yard FG

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, Cameron Belton, Chamada Palmore, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Gaven Kenerly, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Shemar Hooks, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Junior-to-be Eric Eichler took over the quarterback duties during the third game of season in 2011. He ended up rushing for nine touchdowns last year. Photo taken Barb Trimble of Trimble Photography.

Lakota East (4-6 overall, 2-5 in the Greater Miami Conference in 2011) kicks off the 2012 regular season in front of its home fans tonight at 7:30 p.m. when it hosts Western Hills (5-5 overall, 5-1 in Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference in ’11). The two schools faced off in the opener last fall with Lakota East winning that matchup, 28-6.

Western Hills: The offense is run through senior quarterback Cameron Washington, who is coming off a 2011 season where he threw for 783 yards and rushed for 516 more. His top target this season could be Tiantee Washington, who sat behind Division I recruit Josh Smith in 2011. The team also returns three offensive linemen. According to Tom Skeen of the Western Hills Press, the deepest part of the team is at defensive line – and the weakest part of the team is its depth. Last season, the Mustangs got off to a slow start – losing their first three games. After that, the team won five in a row before losing the final two.

Lakota East: With nine returning starters on offense, including junior quarterback Eric Eichler, who was a backup at this time last summer, Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes feels that his team should get off to a fast start in 2012. Eichler, who replaced Rob Harpring at quarterback in Week 3 last season, averaged just more than 42 rushing yards per game and had a total of nine rushing touchdowns in eight games. Overall, the team has almost 30 seniors. That senior leadership is most apparent on the defensive side of the ball, where linebackers Jake Chestnut (second team all-GMC, second on East in total tackles in 2011) and Keith Brady (sixth on East in total tackles in ‘11), along with defensive lineman J.T. Turner (led East in tackles for loss and in sacks in ’11) and free safety Harpring (converted quarterback) lead the way.

Bottom line: In the 28-6 win, in the season opener last year, Lakota East received much of its offense from fullback Mikel Horton, who rushed for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns on 22 carries. Horton has since transferred to Lakota West. However, the Thunderhawks do return four experienced running backs in seniors Will Mahone and Chamada Palmore, as well as juniors Bobby Brown and Nate Mays. The overall advantage in depth and experience should make East a favorite to win in Week 1.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Chamada Palmore, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, J.T. Turner, Jake Chestnut, Keith Brady, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East game preview, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Nate Mays, Rick Haynes, Rob Harpring, Robbie Harpring, Will Mahone

Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes runs an offensive drill during a summer practice session July 31, 2012. Haynes is heading into his third season as the Thunderhawks’ head coach and has a combined 7-13 win-loss record. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

With nine returning starters on offense, including a junior quarterback who was a backup at this time last summer, Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes feels that his team should get off to a fast start in 2012.

“There is not a whole lot of teaching. There is some reviewing, but these kids are very, very smart, so they still remember all the things we talked about last year and their assignments,” said Haynes, who is entering his third season as head coach with a combined 7-13 record at Lakota East. “It is going to allow us to get started a little quicker than we had in the past.”

Getting off to a good start wasn’t the issue last fall, as the Thunderhawks won three of its first four games. The only loss, during that run, was at La Salle, 27-23, a game Lakota East led, 23-21, with about two minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The problem for East wasn’t the start, but sustaining that early season success, as Lakota East went on to lose five of its last six games.

“The coaches talked about it, whether we got tired or we were out of shape because we started off 3-1 and ended the season 1-5,” Haynes said. That is obviously something that we are going to address.”

• 2012 Lakota East football schedule
• Photos: Lakota East summer football practice

The team, which returns five starters on defense and features almost 30 seniors, responded by working this offseason on improving their strength and conditioning.

“I believe this is the strongest team we have had. It might be the strongest team East has ever had,” Haynes said. “The kids have done a great job in the weight room and I also think we are faster than we have been.

“We have great senior leadership.” (more…)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: 2012 Lakota East football preview, Bobby Brown, Chamada Palmore, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Issac Cosculluela, J.T. Turner, Jake Chestnut, Keith Brady, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East football preview, Lakota East Sports, Nate Mays, Rob Harpring, Robbie Harpring, Will Mahone