Archive: Sports

The Lansing Bobcat football team ended their season on a high note defeating the Southern Springs football team 13-0.  The team was led by Brad Bartlett's 100 yards rushing on only ten carries.  Bartlett also caught one pass for ten yards and had eleven tackles earning him player of the game honors.  The Bobcats finished with a 4-5 record this year.

Players garnering awards at the end of season banquet last Sunday night included team captain David Bandler, who was named MVP.  Bandler also is being honored this season by the Ithaca Journal as one of its 'Journal 11,' which means he was chosen as the one Bobcat player among ten other players from eleven area teams.  Bandler was cited for his valuable knowledge of the game and his poise, fire, desire, and leadership throughout the season.

Justin Payne was honored for being the leading scorer for the Bobcats this year, scoring over one-third of the Bobcats total points.  He scored offensively, defensively, and was the team's kicker.  In a new tradition Justin will be honored by having his name engraved on a plaque that will be displayed at the school and feature Lansing Football's future top scorers on a yearly basis.  Justin was cited by his coach for his outstanding hands and overall athletic ability as he often outjumped his competition for the ball.  Justin has also been honored by being chosen to play in the Ernie Davis Classic.

Matt Hartz was honored for his fine leadrship as a captain and will also be playing in the Ernie Davis Classic.  In addition Hartz was given the first annual Coaches Award for Exemplary Character.  Hartz was given much credit by his coach for his abilities both on and off of the field.  He was noted for his personal sacrifices for the betterment of the team and his words of encouragement to teammates.

Patrick Rodgers was also honored for his fine leadersip as a captain this year and was tabbed as one of the most coachable and fundamentally sound players on the field--he led by example.  Another captain Brad Bartlett was honored for his fine athletic ability, noting his invaluable contributions to the team after missing the beginning of the season with an injury.  Bartlett averaged 5 yard per carry and almost 20 yards per catch.  He also added 36 tackles in his injury shortened season.  Both Rodgers and Bartlett were Ernie Davis nominees.

Jesse Bush was honored with the Coaches First Annual Award for Courage as he battled through numerous injuries and against opponents that often outsized him, throughout the season.

Dan Sill was honored with a game ball from the homecoming game this season in which he had a key interception directly leading to the Bobcats win.

The trophy for the leading tackler on this years Bobcat team went to Junior Craig Esposito as he led the team with 68 tackles, including a whopping 38 solo tackles.  Craig also led the team on defense by picking off five passes this year.

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