The stakes were at their absolute peak for Lafayette Christian Academy football as they stepped into the LHSAA Select Division III Playoff second round, facing a familiar adversary in Notre Dame. The Knights had endured a loss to the Pios earlier in the season, and that memory burned brightly in the minds of every Knight on the sideline. Armed with a chip on their shoulder and revenge in their hearts, the Knights engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle with the Pios, ultimately emerging victorious with a 35 - 28 playoff win.

"LCA Football's Revenge Tale in the Playoffs"

Entering the Playoff Battle

This playoff matchup was of utmost significance for Lafayette Christian Academy. As they took the field, the weight of the previous loss to Notre Dame hung heavy in the air. The Knights knew they had a chance to right the wrong and prove their mettle. Coach Matt Standiford expressed his confidence, stating, "This is the biggest win our kids have had because Notre Dame did a great job against them the first time. Every time somebody asked me about this game, I felt really good because I knew as a staff and as a group of kids, we were going to be ready to go."The Knights' determination was palpable, and they were ready to give it their all.

Braylon Walker's Star Turn

In the past, Lafayette Christian Academy had been no stranger to outstanding postseason performances, often led by 2024 alum Ju’Juan Johnson at quarterback. But this time, a new star emerged in the form of Braylon Walker. The 5 - foot - 11 junior signal caller made a name for himself in LCA playoff history, leaving the Pios struggling to contain him.Walker was a force to be reckoned with, both through the air and on the ground. He completed four rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown, breaking out for big runs on every quarterback keeper. His main target was junior Brayden Allen, who made a spectacular diving catch for about 40 yards, getting the Knights into the red zone in the first half.When Notre Dame scored, Walker and the Knights were unfazed. As he said, "It feels amazing to come out here and help my team get a victory. We came out here as a unit and it wasn’t only me. My teammates were the ones who opened things up for me to allow me to go make plays."

Notre Dame's Fighting Spirit

Momentum seemed to be on Notre Dame's side at the start of the game. With home - field advantage, they marched down the field and scored a touchdown on their first possession, with senior Jackson Casanova punching it in from six yards out, giving his team a 7 - 0 lead.However, instead of building on that momentum, it awakened the LCA defense. As Walker noted, "We knew last time we played them we left a lot on the table. This week throughout practice we came back, we played a lot better, we practiced way harder and with a lot more energy. So we came out tonight playing loose and we weren’t as uptight."The Knights' defensive stops gave them the opportunity to take the lead. Notre Dame remained composed and relied on senior quarterback Parker Faust and their running game to keep them in the game. Faust ended the night with a 36 - yard touchdown pass to junior Drew Lejeune, tying the game. Casanova also rushed for three touchdowns, trying desperately to regain the lead for his team.Despite their best efforts, Notre Dame's season came to an end with their final touchdown. Coach Lewis Cook Jr. expressed his disappointment, saying, "Our guys fought their tails off to hang in there within one score. We’re hoping to get the ball back one more time just to take a shot but they were able to finish it off. It’s disappointing anytime it’s your last game. I know they’re hurting but we’ll bounce back."In the end, Lafayette Christian Academy's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They had punched their ticket to the Select Division III quarterfinals and were ready to take on the next challenge.