North QB Lagarde wants to finish with big season
TORRANCE >> Just about everywhere you look in the South Bay this season, there is a good chance you will see a new quarterback.
Transfers are taking over at new schools or junior varsity QBs are getting the promotion to varsity.
At North Torrance, there is a familiar face under center and running the offense, and he's been there since he was a freshman.
When the Saxons kick off the 2022 season on Aug. 19 at Santa Barbara, Trevor Lagarde will begin his fourth and final season as the team's starting quarterback.
“The quarterback spot is going to be a huge spot every year and we've got a guy who is going into his fourth year,” North coach Todd Croce said. “You can't beat that.”
Lagarde has been through it all during his time at North.
As a freshman, he helped lead the Saxons to the CIF Southern Section Division 9 final. His sophomore season was cut short to just four games due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he led North to the playoffs last season.
“The time has flown by, for sure,” Lagarde said. “But I'm ready to go out with a bang and play with my brothers one last time. Trying to get all of the young guys ready before we start the season.”
Lagarde was once one of those young guys.
As a freshman, he completed 58.4 percent of his passes with 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as the Saxons when 11-3. A lot of attention that season by defenses was placed on trying to stop Stephen Bradford, who topped the 2,000yard mark.
“I feel like the game has slowed down for me,” Lagarde said. “Definitely the team has trusted me every year more and more. I was able to earn my respect instead of having it just given.
“As the years have went, I've noticed that the team, they listen to my words and they feel that I am a leader. My words aren't just anything, they actually mean something, and I think that's been my biggest progression.”
In his three seasons, which includes the fourgame shortened sophomore year, Lagarde has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes (59.6), he's closing in on 5,000 career passing yards (4,920) and he has 68 touchdowns with just 20 interceptions.
“He's put in all the work and done everything he's had to do so he can go out there on Friday night and show it off,” Croce said. “When he came in, he was smart right off the bat.”
The Saxons open their season against a Santa Barbara team that went 8-4 last year. The reason behind the long trip is to replicate last season's CIF-Southern Section Division 7 playoff-opening loss when the Saxons went to Temecula Valley.
“We want to get out of here (South Bay), get used to the road trip, get some confidence and some comfort in taking a long drive and being able to play,” Croce said. “Hopefully that will stick with us at the end of the season.”
Lagarde remembers that final game as one where “we didn't quit, although it was a tough game.”
“No matter the score, the quarter, we had the same fire the entire game,” he said. “Having that mentality can be a great thing that can lead us to a great season. A lot of guys got to suit up and see what that felt like and them being moved up (to varsity) this year, they will be used to it. I think it was a good confidence builder that no matter the circumstances, we can trust each other and that everyone has each other's back.”
Lagarde's goal after his time at North is done is to play college football. He's doesn't have any scholarship offers, but has been in contact with schools at all levels.
Until then, the grind isn't going to stop.
“I'm still working hard every day, not stopping anything,” he said. “Nothing is going to discourage me from my goal, which is to play college football.
“My door is open. I don't care what level, I just want to go to college and make my family proud.”