WEST CHESTER TWP., Ohio -- The ability to run the football was the difference in La Salle’s 42-7 win over Kings.
The Lancers won their second straight Division 6 Regional title behind a running game that rushed for 272 yards and four touchdowns in the first half and went on cruise control after intermission.
The La Salle defense was equally as good defending the run. They held the Knights, who were without their leading rusher Avery Koller, to zero yards on 17 carries through three quarters as La Salle built a 35-0 advantage.
Defensive back TreSean Smith ended a pair of Kings drives with interceptions, and linebacker Kyle Farwick had his second fumble recovery for a score in this postseason. Most looking on would never guess that the La Salle defense lost eight starters from last year’s 2014 state championship team after their performance on Friday night.
“This defense has gotten light years and light years better, and what we did tonight to that team is a credit to our kids,” head coach Jim Hilvert said about his stingy and opportunistic unit.
MORE: With Hilvert, La Salle aims for 2nd straight state title
It was business as usual for the La Salle offense. Jeremy Larkin ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Jarell White had just under 100 yards on the ground while leading the team with four receptions for 51 more yards. Quarterback Nick Watson ran for two touchdowns and threw for 150 yards.
The Lancers continued their postseason domination with their eighth straight playoff victory, all of which had the running clock get started. The last seven La Salle playoff wins have all been more than 32 points.
“We are tired of hearing about 2014. It’s about 2015 and these guys leaving their mark in that journey to winning another state championship,” Hilvert said. “We want to be different than everyone else.”
The version of the Lancers is is well on its way to establishing its own identity. This group is showing that it is special in all phases of the game and doing that at the right time.
KINGS 0-0-0-7-7
vs LA SALLE 7-21-7-7-42
L: White 2 run (Chrisman kick)
L: Larkin 5 run (Chrisman kick)
L: Larkin 78 run (Chrisman kick)
L: Watson 5 run (Chrisman kick)
L: Farwick 36 fumble recovery (Chrisman kick)
K: Knecht 15 run (Guckenberger kick)
L: Watson 2 run (Chrisman kick)
Records: La Salle (11-2); Kings (11-2)
