LAKEVILLE - The Indiana Football Digest has released its 2023 Pre-Season All-State Teams and LaVille has a pair of representatives. Seniors Erik Bedock and Lucas Plummer have been selected to the list of 26 players in Class 2A. Bedock earns his recognition as an offensive lineman.  The 6' 2" 260-pound all-state veteran helped lead the Lancer offense to over 3,500 yards during a 10-1 season in 2022.  "Anytime you can have an athlete get recognized through the IFD is a tremendous honor as they only honor roughly 20-25 guys per class," said LaVille head football coach Jeff Kaiser.  "The unique thing is that to be considered for this credential, academic standards weigh just as heavy as athletic ability and success.  So as a program, we are honored to have two LaVille High School Student Athletes recognized.  Erik and Lucas represent us well." Both Bedock, a two-sport athlete, and Plummer, a three-sport standout, understand it takes a lot of hard work to be successful. "Erik being selected to this IFD All-State Team is a true testament to his hard work whether it be in the classroom, weight room, film study and always striving to be better at whatever he does," says Kaiser.  "He is a true WE player instead of a ME player. "This is a great honor to be selected but again as much of an athlete as Lucas is, his academics are just as strong," continued Kaiser.  "Only so many guys get selected for this award and Lucas represents what this selection means as a student athlete at LaVille High School." Plummer was selected in 2022 and 2023 as a punter on the IFD all-state squad. "This is Lucas Plummer's second year being selected to this team," said Kaiser. "So it's never a shock to have Lucas in a conversation when people talk about LaVille football.  Very gifted three-sport athlete to say the least." Being a lineman and battling in the trenches can be a thankless job.  When asked about a lineman's life, Kaiser said, "LOL life of a lineman . . . unsung hero is the correct name for the trench guys.  Technique is the most important aspect of a lineman, strength is a true bonus, but positioning will win primary battles and then the strength that one develops is a major bonus.  Erik is blessed to have both as he is a tremendous student of the game and no stranger at all in our weight room! "At the same time, special teams play a crucial role in the game of football, and Plummer at LaVille is no exception. "Lucas has great composure and doesn't get rattled," Kaiser said of his 6' 2" 180-pound all-around player.  "Has ice in his veins type player, so whether he is lining up to kick a very crucial ball for us, or taking a drink of water, his demeanor doesn't change at all." Bedock is a busy player for the Lancers, playing both offense and defense, as well. "Being a two way starter is not an easy task, but is very common among schools our size," Kaiser said of his offensive and defensive lineman.  "In order to execute at your full potential, you must prepare physically not only in the weight room but also your cardio side as well.  Then you take in the mental side, which is film study and knowing your opponent is very crucial. Also, understanding the coaches game plan and communicating through the week at practice because come Friday nights you only get a few minutes to communicate through a game and usually that is between quarters so it's very limited." And while Bedock helps by doing his part, Plummer is just as busy helping LaVille be successful. "Actually the only time Lucas comes off the field is for kick return and punt return," noted Kaiser.  "He handles our kicking duties (punt, field goal, kick off and PAT).  We try to get into situations that allow us to get him on the sidelines but with his consistency in all of his kicking game, it's a major asset in all phases of the game."And even though we hate to punt lol," the first-year Lancer coach continued. "Lucas's understanding of  the importance of what a punt can do for us as far as field position goes, allows him to be a weapon for us and has created many opportunities for our defense to be aggressive as he's pinned teams back inside the 20 and even the 10 yard line numerous times in his career.  He truly has what people refer to as a "Golden" leg.  Even though some of this is natural to him, he along with his special teams coach (Nick Roseland), put in extra time whether it be before or after practice to concentrate on the details of the kicking game.  Lucas is a huge asset when it comes to all our Special Teams." Plummer, a two-time all-conference and all-state selection, continues the success on special teams after taking over for all-state and 2021 Indiana All-Star Leyton Czarnecki. A year ago, the Lancer senior averaged 34.9 yards per punt, with a long of 44 yards and four inside the 20.  During kick-off duties Plummer averaged 55.9 yards per kick, a long of 60 and 11 touchbacks. "Lucas was never a stranger to step into the role as kicker," Kaiser said of Plummer.  "He had a great teammate to follow in Leyton, but as much time as they put in preparing to be successful kickers, Lucas understood the importance of this phase of the game.  When Lucas punts the ball, we know we can pin teams deep, when we are at the 30-35 yard line we know we are good for at least 3 points which are huge points that we emphasize that we need to get." Entering 2023 fall camp, Kaiser says that Plummer's range gives the Lancer offense solid range. "Well we know he has at least a 50 yard field goal in him because as we ended (summer) camp he drilled one with room to spare!  So who knows what his limit is.  Based on conditions and flow of the game from week to week, we are not afraid of having #9  use his leg to put points on the board I can assure you of that." As Kaiser takes over the reins as the 14th head football coach at LaVille, he sees leadership skills in both Bedock and Plummer. "We have seen Erik's leadership the past couple years to be honest," explained Kaiser.  "But now with this being his senior year and starting his fourth season as a starter, he has both hands on the wheel sort of speak.  He is a leader on and off the field, has great academic standards, leads by example in all he does and has lofty goals that he wants to achieve.  His mindset everyday is 'How can I make US better', and I see it in everything he is involved in. His peers look up to him and seek his advice in all he does. "Lucas will be a four year starter for us, and is a lead by example type of player," continued Kaiser.  "Lucas isn't a rah rah type leader, but instead a leader by doing whatever it takes to be successful as a team.  Never questions things, just gets things done.  The younger guys look up to him and his peers love how calm, cool and collective Lucas is day in and day out in all he does."  According to Kaiser, both Bedock and Plummer are both thankful for the early season honor, he knows both are ultimately team players. "Although we know Erik is proud to have been selected for this, he will always credit not only the guys he currently plays with, but also the guys that have helped him become a better player for our program," said Kaiser.  "He has big goals and this is just a step in that direction for him. "Lucas is honored to be selected as one of the states top punters, but will be the first to put the result of this as a TEAM effort," concluded Kaiser.  "He has big goals and this is just a step in what he wants to achieve this season."