Cards should remain competitive despite youth on offense
Following two disappointing threepoint losses to open the season, the Lawrence High School football team rebounded to win five of its last eight games last year.
When you consider one of their losses later in the season was by five points to an 8-2 Nottingham team, it shows how competitive the Cardinals were.
While it’s true the Cardinals took some big graduation hits, Lawrence has enough in the fold to once again remain a tough out against a schedule that includes seven Mercer County teams.
“It’s kind of a mixed bag,” said coach Nate Jones. “We lost a lot on offense, but we’re looking pretty good on defense. We liked what we saw in scrimmages.”
A strong point on the offense includes two returning senior tackles in Aiden Kron and Kyrstian Haiduczka. They will open holes for the likes of fullback Jacoby Sherard, who has been a starter ever since he was a freshman.
Competing for the starting quarterback position during the pre-season were sophomore Careem Frost and freshman Brandon Decker. Both are young, talented and show plenty of promise.
In addition to Sherard, sophomore Diesel Barnes, senior Cory Fost and junior Naszair Conway are all part of a group that Jones describes as running backs “by committee.”
The top receiver is Deon McLean, a senior who will line up at both slot and wide receiver.
Among the top players on defense are Sherard on the line and senior linebacker Dawson Aime. Senior safeties Jason Nalbone and Malik Southward are part of a strong defensive backfield in terms of pass coverage and run support.
“Our numbers are about average with 50 players,” said Jones. “As I said, we’re pretty set on defense. With the offense it’s largely a matter of getting reps and gaining experience.
“As the season goes along the offense will get better and better. We are looking forward to their development.’’