LAKEVILLE, IN. – It’s a football night in Lakeville! Last week, Class 2A #5 LaVille dominated Culver Community 52-0 to close the 2023 regular season. Lucas Plummer and Cody Allen led the Lancer offense. Plummer rushed for 95 yards and tossed a touchdown pass, while Allen registered his sixth 100+ yard rushing game of the season with 146 yards and three touchdowns.  While it was a team victory, several LaVille players had a game to remember.  Senior Kaide Sanchez had a career-high six tackles and added a caused fumble.  Cole Stafford scored his first touchdown on a 6-yard plunge and added seven total tackles, including three tackles for loss on defense.  Stafford, Konnor Amor, and Brandon Nettrouer also recorded a fumble recovery each. Tonight, LaVille turns the page to the 2023 Indiana High School Athletic Association state tournament and a familiar foe over the last couple of seasons - Andrean.  The 59ers lead 2-0 and have ended the Lancers' playoff run the last two seasons.  AHS beat visiting LaVille in the regional en route to the 2021 state championship.  Last season, the two battled at Lancer Field before the 59ers pulled away late in the sectional semifinal on their state runner-up finish. LaVille has been looking forward to this rematch.  Coach Jeff Kaiser's club wanted another shot at Andrean. "Andrean likes to throw the ball to multiple receivers," Kaiser said of the 59ers offense.  "When they do decide to run, it has been effective but they prefer passing the ball." Senior Scott Ballentine has thrown for 1,550 yards, 11 touchdowns and 1 interception this season. Junior James Finley is the top target in the aerial attack, hauling down 32 catches for 515 yards.  Seniors Micah Jones and Cole Jenkins add to the receiving depth.  Jones has accumulated 357 yards on 39 catches, while Jenkins adds 314 yards on 24. Sophomore JJ Bolz is the leading rusher. Andrean is a member of the Northwest Crossroads Conference and finished fied for third with Lowell with a 3-3 loop record.  The Merrillville-based school is not ranked by either the Associated Press or the IFCA and comes in with a 3-6 overall record and on a three-game losing streak.  The 59ers play a challenging schedule, playing schools 2, 3, and sometimes 4 times their size. Admission will be $7 per person (pre-school admitted free).  Tickets can be purchased at the gate.  Max 98.3FM has the call of the game and the 1st round of the IHSAA state football tournament can be viewed on the IHSAA Champions Network by clicking https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=699832 With the victory over Culver Community a week ago, LaVille improved to 8-1 overall and went right back to work in preparation for the next opponent on the schedule.  This week, that is a talented Andrean club. The 59ers are 2-3 in road games so far in 2023, while LHS is 4-1 at Lancer Field. Lake Station (2-7) or Whiting (3-6) await the winner of the Andrean-LaVille game in the sectional semifinal on Oct. 27.  A victory by LaVille would put Kaiser's club on the road next week. We had a chance to chat with Coach Kaiser about the Culver game and the upcoming contest against Andrean. Talk about how you felt your team played against Culver Friday. COACH: "Overall we played really good football.  We got off to a slow start in the first quarter but midway through we started playing LaVille Football.  We felt the defense played really well.  We were able to keep them guessing by having multiple blitzers and making them have to choose certain people to block and allowing others to make plays." As you have prepped for Andrean, how has practice gone for 59ers Week? COACH: Practice has been really good so far. . . the guys are excited for this opportunity once again." Talk about what Andrean brings on offense and a couple of their top players. COACH: "Offensively Andrean likes to throw the ball to multiple receivers.  When they do decide to run, it has been effective but they prefer passing the ball.   Their Offense starts with QB #12 Scott Ballentine with the top receivers being #15 Jimmy Finley and #11 Micah Jones.  The running game is led by #3 JJ Bolz." Talk about what Andrean brings on defense and a couple of players that stand out. COACH: "Defensively they will run a 3-4.  They like to be aggressive with their LB blitzes.  They are led by LB#3 JJ Bolz, DE#9 Luke Donsbach and DB #15 Jimmy Finley." What concerns you about Andrean Friday night? COACH: "Our concern is their speed deep and their depth being able to rotate multiple guys." Keys to a LaVille victory against the 59ers? COACH: "Keys for us:* Offensively are, we must sustain drives by moving the chains.  Secure the ball in wet conditions and upfront we must maintain blocks every play.* Defensively we must play physical and discipline by tackling well, each must do their responsibility and play as a unit, and be able to get pressure on their QB." Anything Else?  COACH: "We must have Lancer Nation out in full force and ready to make some noise!!   Home field is a big advantage in big games . . . hope to see everyone supporting our guys and cheering them on to victory!!" G A M E D A Y Who: Andrean (3-6) at #5 LaVille (8-1) What: 2A Sectional #33 first round When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 Where: Lancer FIeld, Lakeville, IN. Coaches: Chris Skinner (69-31 in 8th year at Andrean). Jeff Kaiser (8-1 in 1st year at LaVille) Last Outing: Andrean lost to Lowell, 16-14. LaVille defeated Culver Community, 52-0 All-Time Series: Andrean leads LaVille, 2-0 Last Meeting: Andrean defeated LaVille, 28-6, Oct 28, 2022, sectional semifinal