LAKEVILLE - Over the past four years, the North Judson-San Pierre-LaVille high school football rivalry has been extremely competitive. During that span, a pair of games have been decided by overtime and two other games decided by a combined five points. For the record, the last four games have been split, 2-2, but the overall series is led by LaVille, 9-5. What kind of game will August 30th end up like is anyone's guess. The Blue Jays are coming off a 42-21 victory over state-ranked Knox in week one and check in as the #2 team in the USA Today, AP Class 1A poll. After a week one road trip to Triton, LaVille returns with a 0-1 record for its home-opener. The Lancers check in USA Today, AP Class 1A #12 this week. This game will also recognize 1997 LaVille graduate James Bettcher prior to kickoff. For those wanting to watch, the game can be found on the IHSAA Champions Network by clicking https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=1230887 "North Judson will bring a lot of experience, size and speed on both sides of the ball," said LaVille coach Jeff Kaiser. "Upperclassmen lead the way for both of their units. Defensively they look to disrupt you in their 3-4 scheme and will be aggressive doing so. Physical at point of attack. Offensively they will run a double wing offense that will look to pound you with fullback and then option off of that." Last week at Triton, the Trojans gave LHS fits at the line of scrimmage and took advantage of a couple big scoring plays for a big season-opening win. "They were able to mix their blitzes up, which kept our line from settling in and finding the blitzes," Kaiser noted when asked about Triton's gameplan. "Aggression and speed helped them be successful." In maybe two of the biggest plays, Triton started the third quarter with the ball, and moved the ball quickly, as Triton quarterback Ben McFarland found Dante' Workman open for a 46-yard TD. On the next possession, LaVille lined up to punt before Triton's Esai Lemler blocked the punt attempt and Jayden Overmyer grabbed the ball out of the air, turned toward his end zone and hustled for a 38-yard score. Within three minutes in the third period, Triton increased its lead to 21-7 in about a three-minute span. "Defensively, other than giving up 2 big plays, I felt we played decently," explained Kaiser. "Anytime your special teams make big plays and of course score it kills any momentum you may have up to that point. That block and score definitely hurt us. We will continue getting better each week." During the prep week for the NJSP game, LaVille has spent time working on fundamentals and techniques in order to execute their gameplan. "Keys for us defensively will be to play assignment football and contain the option game," explained Kaiser. "Force them to throw the ball more than they like to. Offensively, we must block better upfront to allow our QB and RBs to make plays. We must get multiple players involved." According to Kaiser, offensive players to watch for the Blue Jays are Jessiah McDaniel, Brock Bend, and Kole Wilcox. On defense, Cole Kozecar, Grason McDaniel, Trey McGowen, Benson, and Wilcox. Prior to kickoff, LaVille will recognize 1997 graduate James Bettcher. After graduation, Bettcher went on to play football and run track and field at St. Francis in Fort Wayne. Upon graduation in 2002, Bettcher went on to coach football at both the collegiate level and professional level. He is currently the linebackers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. ". . . Much deserved and way past due for this corporation to honor him and what he has accomplished up to this point in his career," said Kaiser. "Means a lot to this community to have a moment to host him and his family and recognize what he is doing, which all started back here in Lakeville wearing a Lancer uniform. Pure example of what it means to work hard to find success and achievement. It's hard to find a better guy to represent our Lancer Nation!!" Game On . . . * * * * * GAMEDAY 1A #2 North Judson-San Pierre (1-0) at 1A #12 LaVille (0-1) Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET Site: Lancer Field, Lakeville, IN. Coaches: Brett Lambert, 47-19 in 6th year at North Judson-San Pierre. Jeff Kaiser, 11-3 in 2nd year at LaVille All-Time Series: LaVille leads North Judson-San Pierre, 9-5 Last Meeting: LaVille defeated North Judson-San Pierre, 23-20, Oct. 6, 2023 Live Stream: https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=1230887