NORTH JUDSON - After a disappointing loss to Knox in week six, the LaVille High School football team scored 21 unanswered points last week against a feisty John Glenn team to get into the win column. "We felt that our guys responded very well to the challenge of putting together 24 solid minutes to play a second half like we did," said LaVille head football coach Jeff Kaiser. "We assured ourselves that we have great leadership and the guys believe in one another." It's week eight of the regular season and Lancer football has another state-ranked opponent on the docket - the IFCA #13 North Judson Blue Jays. Last week, NJSP suffered an uncharacteristic 40-7 loss at Triton. It was the first time in 21 games that the Jays gave up 40 or more points. LaVille's trip to Walkerton last week did not start so well, as the Lancers spotted the Falcons a 27-10 lead by halftime. It was the largest deficit by far this season, but Kaiser's club held JG to zero points in the second half, while the passing game hit for two big touchdowns. Quarterback Lucas Plummer found tight end Michael Good for 16-yard and 32-yard TDs to secure the victory. Running back Cody Allen continued his pursuit of a 1,000-yard season with another 120 yards on 30 carries. As LaVille looks to remain in the hunt for a Hoosier North championship, it was back to work for the Lancers this week during North Judson week. "We have strung together another solid week of practice," noted Kaiser. "Guys are understanding the schemes we have put together and our scout guys have given us another good look this week." North Judson likes to run the football, and will throw every once in a while to keep the defense honest. Junior Brock Benson is the offensive leader, rushing for a bit over nine yards per carry. Benson's ground attack has produced 667 yards and nine TDs so far this season. "Judson is big upfront and likes to move people around," Kaiser said of the 4-3 Blue Jays. "They will focus on the run and try stinging you with a pass every so often. Players to watch are FB #48 (Brock) Benson and RB #7 (Kole) Wilcox and QB #5 (Jesiah McDaniel) can hurt you with the option game." McDaniel has thrown for 408 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. Trey McGowen is McDaniel's leading receiver with nine catches. "You can expect a physical matchup and a very well coached Blue Jay team that is going to come at us with emotion and determination, we must play 48 minutes!!" said Kaiser. "They feed off of their running game, so we must stop that in order to have success." Records and conference standings aside, Kaiser says that this is the next game up on the schedule. "This game is just like all the rest in that it is a chance to go out, put your uniform on and battle for 48 minutes and show people who we are. No week is any different, they all are important." According to Kaiser, NJSP will play a 4-3 defense led by Benson, Wilcox, and #32 Sam Holem. The Blue Jay defense is physical and will challenge LaVille to throw the ball by packing the box. As LaVille invades Liberty Field, one thing is for sure, North Judson will be out to get redemption against LaVille. First, they want to get rid of the Triton loss from a week ago and the fact that the Lancers defeated Judson last year in overtime to guarantee LaVille its first-ever HNAC championship in football. "Concerns are that it is their senior night so emotions will be high for those guys and that they came off an uncharacteristic loss last week so they will be ready to erase that loss with a win against us," concluded Kaiser. "Looking forward to seeing and hearing Lancer Nation over at North Judson tonight as our boys do battle." Game on . . . . G A M E D A Y Who? 2A #5 (AP) LaVille (6-1) at 1A #13 (IFCA) North Judson (4-3) When? October 6, 2023 7:30 p.m. ET Where? Liberty Field, North Judson, IN. Coaches? Jeff Kaiser (6-1 in 1st year at LaVille). Brett Lambert (41-17 in 5th season at North Judson) Last Outing? LaVille def. John Glenn, 31-27. North Judson lost to 1A #10 Triton, 40-7 All-Time Series? LaVille leads North Judson, 8-5 Last Meeting? LaVille defeated North Judson, 27-21, OT, Oct. 7, 2022 Live Stream? https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=600024 #BringTheExcitement Come See Us Play @IHSAA1