Upgrades on coaching staff give Cards hope for turnaround
LAWRENCE >> As far as the Lawrence High football program is concerned, the Cardinals are hoping to prove you really can go home again.
Coming off a 1-8 season, Lawrence has welcomed back former coach Rob Radice. A graduate of Lawrence High and a long-time teacher at the school, Radice was an impressive 84-57 in his previous stint as the Cardinal coach.
“We’ll see how it goes,” said Radice when asked where his team is at during the preseason. “We’re taking baby steps. We’re just working to get better each day.”
Sophomore Brandon Deckard is the starting quarterback and will be backed by a trio talented tailbacks.
They are junior Diesel Barnes, sophomore Miayer Clay and senior Naszair Conway.
In addition to the depth at tailback, Lawrence has senior fullback Kodey Lightner to pound inside in shortyardage situations. It all adds up to a potentially strong running game for the Cardinals.
The team also has a capable receiver in sophomore wide-out Gabe Mitchell White. Senior Matt Kildea is another quality player and will man the tight end position along with Careem Fost.
“We’re going to mix it up on offense,” said Radice. “We want to run the ball and go quick. We have some good athletes. We want to get the ball in space.”
Top offensive linemen include senior center Matt Roman, mammoth junior Tolu Olajide (6-5, 285) and senior Moman Nasr.
Radice isn’t the only notable coaching change at Lawrence. The new defensive coordinator is Galen Snyder, who previously showed he’s one of the top coaches in the Delaware Valley during a very successful 14-year stint at Pennsbury where he guided the Falcons to two prestigious district titles.
Snyder’s defenses have always been about flying to ball to the ball and delivering a big punch at the point of impact. If Lawrence can play with that kind of physicality, look out!
“We are going to find out just how physical we can be as a team,” said Radice.
Lawrence will line up in a 4-2-5 defense and has a solid set of linebackers with players like Barnes, senior Isaiah Pennybacker, Lightner and Frost.
Lawrence also appears set in the secondary. Among the top players in that unit are senior Deon McLean, Mitchell-White, sophomore Miayer Clay and Conway.
The potential for a winning season is certainly there.