WHITING - Heading into the regular season finale, there were a couple challenges ahead for the LaVille football team. First off, LaVille was on fall break, where students were on a different schedule during the day.  Secondly, the Lancers then embarked on a bit more than a 90-minute bus ride from Lakeville to Whiting. LaVille coach Jeff Kaiser would soon find out as LHS racked up nearly 500 yards of total offense en route to a 56-20 victory over the Oilers at Galavan Field. The Lancers were ready for the challenge, taking the opening drive 70 yards on 12 plays, finished off with a 10-yard touchdown run by Cole Stafford. "Yeah I was pleased how focused we were after the long bus ride to Whiting along with the Fall Break schedule to throw in there as well," said Kaiser. "Taking the opening drive in for a TD is always assuring we are locked in to play 48 minutes." Stafford worked his way to 46 yards on seven rushes to get LHS off to a 7-0 lead. Whiting was equally up to the challenge, scoring on two straight possessions to take a 14-7 lead. The Oilers took an 8-7 lead when quarterback Austin White led WHS on a 65-yard touchdown drive, going the final 19 yards to pay dirt.  White then found Kasen Dunn for the 2-point conversion to put Whiting up early. On LaVille's next possession, Kamron Patterson stepped in front of a Collin Czarneki pass and returned the interception 62 yards. LaVille, however, rallied on its next possession as Stafford pushed in from the one.  Czarnecki hit the second of his eight point-after attempts to tie the score at 14-all. After forcing Whiting to punt, LaVille's Jonathan Neese powered his way in from the one to put the Lakeville guests on top early in the second quarter.  The drive was highlighted by a 35-yard run by Stafford that took the ball from LaVille territory into the red zone. Kaiser's club then took full command of the contest in what was a crucial moment.  Stafford picked off White's pass and put the Lancers right back in the red zone.   'Cole allowed us to get full momentum on both sides of the ball once he got his interception in the second quarter," Kaiser said when asked about the big interception. "What was key was creating the turnover and then the offense punching the ball in right after it.   Anytime you create turnovers and produce points from them you're going to win games." As indicated by Kaiser, Stafford finished off what he started when he took the final over the goal line from the two.  "Cole played extremely well and ran with purpose and confidence each time he touched the ball," said Kaiser. "... our OLine of Keenan Richhart, Curtis Smith, Brock Gest, Eli Platz and Bradeyn Foster opened up some nice lanes for him to get through and he ran physical all night." Following Stafford's interception in the second quarter, the Lancers scored five more times to force the running clock. "I was very pleased that our seniors and starters were able to get every player in a uniform on the field Friday night," explained Kaiser.  "We took care of business early and made that happen.  It is always nice and a big moment for those JV/Scout players to play under those FrIday Night Lights." It was a career-night for Stafford, who rushed for 255 yards on 27 carries and a career-high five touchdowns. Kaiser's crew racked up 354 rushing yards and a season-high 26 first downs. "Friday starts sectional play and nothing is guaranteed after this week," Kaiser concluded when asked about the start of the state tournament.  "We like the momentum we have heading into the tourney and are up to the challenge West Central will bring us." LaVille improved to 4-5 overall, while Whiting moved to 2-7. West Central pays a visit to Lancer Field for round one of the IHSAA state tournament on 25.  The game is scheduled to kick at 7 p.m. ET kick at Lancer Field. The Trojans are 6-3 overall, including winning 4 of their last 5 games. LAVILLE 56, WHITING 20 At Galavan Field, Whiting, IN. Score By Quarters LaVille 14 42 49 56 Whiting 14 14 14 20 Scoring Summary L - Cole Stafford 10 run; Collin Czarnecki kick W - Austin White 19 run; Karsen Dunn pass from White W - Kamron Patterson 62 interception return;  L - Stafford 1 run; Czarnecki kick L - Jonathan Neese 1 run; Czarnecki kick L - Stafford 2 run; Czarnecki kick L - Stafford 27 run; Czarnecki kick L - Neese 3 run; Czarnecki kick L - Czarnecki 18 run; Czarnecki kick L - Stafford 24 run; Czarnecki kick W - Reagan Klapak 2 run; run failed                                   LV            W 1st Downs                26              6 Yards Rushing      354            96     Comp-Att-Int        9-16-1      2-8-0    Yards Passing        115            48