The LaSalle Tigers opened their season in impressive fashion Friday night, overcoming an early setback to roll past the Lakeview Gators 54-13 in a resounding victory that showcased the team’s explosive offense and stingy defense.
The night began with a moment of concern for the Tigers faithful. Lakeview came out firing by scoring on its very first offensive play of the game, then added to the momentum by recovering an onside kick. For a moment, the Gators appeared poised to make things interesting. That wake-up call was all LaSalle needed. From that point forward, the Tigers seized control and established dominance on both sides of the ball.
Senior running back Wyatt King ignited the comeback with a hard-nosed 15-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion to put LaSalle on the board. King would find the end zone once more before the night was over, continuing to provide the veteran leadership and toughness that has become his trademark.
While King set the tone, sophomore standout Brayden Tannehill delivered the fireworks. Building on a strong preseason, Tannehill repeatedly gashed the Lakeview defense with explosive runs.
His highlight of the night came on a dazzling 33-yard touchdown sprint. By game’s end, the sophomore had piled up 125 rushing yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the Tigers’ most dangerous offensive weapons.
The Tigers’ ground attack was complemented by an efficient and balanced passing game led by sophomore quarterback Luke Lasiter. Showing poise and accuracy beyond his years, Lasiter kept the Gator defense guessing throughout the contest. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
Lasiter spread the ball effectively to his playmakers, connecting with junior Lane Burnham for one score and fellow sophomore Kasen Maxwell for another. The aerial attack provided the perfect balance to LaSalle’s dominant rushing performance and demonstrated the versatility of the Tigers’ offense. To end the night Junior David May electrified the crowd with a TD run of his own, finishing a point filled night for the Tigers.
Defensively, LaSalle was equally impressive. After surrendering the early score, the Tigers tightened up and continuously frustrated the Lakeview offense. On Senior Night, the defensive effort was led by two veteran leaders. Wyatt King was all over the field, recording a team-high eight tackles and helping set the physical tone. Fellow senior Alex Richmond turned in a huge performance in the secondary, hauling in two interceptions to halt Lakeview drives and swing momentum firmly in LaSalle’s favor.
Overall, it was exactly the type of performance the Tigers hoped for to begin the 2026 campaign. The offense displayed big-play potential, the defense responded after early adversity, and several young players took major steps forward while veteran leaders set the example.
Now, LaSalle will shift its focus to a much tougher challenge as the Tigers hit the road this Friday to face Class 2A Select Beekman Charter. The school is located north of Bastrop, located 12 miles north of Bastrop or 84 miles from Olla.
Last week, Beekman beat 3A Buckeye 37-20 in the season opener. The matchup will provide another opportunity for the young Tigers squad to continue its development and measure its progress against a larger school program. If Week 1 is any indication, LaSalle has plenty of reasons for optimism.
See y’all this Friday in Bastrop, Go Tigers!
