Lake Central 46, Munster 14
By Paul Honeycutt
MUNSTER — It’s no secret that senior running back Xavier Williams was going to be the focal point of a traditionally run-heavy offense for Lake Central coach Rick Good.
“Stop him, please,” was said around six times on the first drive from the Mustangs press box.
Well, easier said than done.
The Indiana Preps Top 22 Preseason All-Stater got off to a fast start in Lake Central’s 46-14 win over Munster, as he rushed for 54 yards on the opening drive, capped off by an eight-yard touchdown run.
Williams, an Iowa recruit, was such a threat in the backfield, that it left receivers open for a couple long passes for LC junior quarterback Chase Kwiatkowski, who connected on a 36-yard strike to senior wide receiver James Graham III in the Indians’ second score of the first quarter.
“Since there’s more attention on him, it gives Chase more of a chance to connect on the long throws like he did (Friday),” said Good.
Munster (0-1) fought back with a tough, nine-minute drive that was finished off by a three-yard rushing score from junior halfback Max Lesinski.
However, just like in last year’s 47-0 win over Munster, Lake Central (1-0) scored quickly late in the second quarter on back-to-back possessions within a little under two minutes of each other to stretch the halftime lead over Munster to 27-7.
Williams scored on a 37-yard run and fellow senior running back Amarion Brooks rushed one in from two yards out in the aforementioned two quick scores.
“X is more patient now and he’s taken off some weight because of the Iowa conditioning program,” said Good. “He has more rotation in his hips and is running with more confidence now.”
Despite all the well-deserved attention, Good said that Williams has altered himself during the whole process unlike other players his age who might think it’s all about them.
“X is a ‘we’ guy first and foremost,” said Good. “Everyone in and out of the program is a fan of his because he hasn’t changed as a person despite having more likes on his social media or more people paying attention to his film.”
Williams credited his parents for aiding him along in the process, as it’s one they’ve been through before.
“My parents, Curtis and Angela Williams, guided me and helped me remain humble,” said Williams, who rushed for 132 yards on 14 carries with three TDs. “My older brother, Jay, was a college baseball player, so this isn’t the first time the family has been through a recruiting process.”
Williams added his third score of the night on Lake Central’s first possession of the second half on a 17-yard run.
Williams also said he wouldn’t be anywhere without his line, which includes Indiana Preps Top 22 Preseason Underclassman in junior offensive lineman Jimmy Johnsen.
“The game has slowed down for me because I have such a good chemistry with the guys up front,” said Williams.
Good commented on how much Johnsen has grown from last year.
“He’s cleaned up his diet a little bit and moves more freely out there,” said Good. “He’s more flexible now, especially when he’s pulling.”
Graham III hauled in his second score of the night on a 22-yard pass from Lake Central sophomore quarterback Cameron Reddick, who also added a one-yard TD to cap the scoring for the Indians.
Lesinski added a 60-yard run for Munster at the 10:54 of the fourth, as he totaled 73 rushing yards on six carries and two TDs.
Mustangs senior fullback Daniel Asgedom rushed for 102 yards on 26 carries.
Lake Central has now won eight straight over the Mustangs.


Lake Central 46, Munster 14

Lake Central; 13 14 13 6 – 46
Munster; 0 7 0 7 – 14

LC – Xavier Williams 8 run (Trevor Baldin kick), 7:58 1st
LC – James Graham III 36 pass from Chase Kwiatkowski (kick failed), 0:03 1st
M – Max Lesinski 3 run (Owen Burns kick), 4:17 2nd
LC – Williams 37 run (kick failed), 2:58 2nd
LC – Amarion Brooks 2 run (Brooks run), 1:02 2nd
LC – Williams 17 run (Baldin kick), 8:11 3rd
LC – Graham III 22 pass from Cameron Reddick (kick failed), 5:17 3rd
M – Lesinski 60 run (Burns kick), 10:54 4th
LC – Reddick 1 run (pass failed), 7:01 4th

Lake Central;Munster
First Downs;18;8
Total Net Yards;399;221
Rushes-Yards;39-280;47-221
Passing;119;0
Comp.-Att.-Int.;6-10-0;1-4-0
Penalties-Yards;5-45;6-45
Fumbles-Lost;0-0;3-2

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING – LAKE CENTRAL, Xavier Williams 14-132, Cameron Reddick 6-46, Christian Jackson 7-42, Chase Kwiatkowski 2-29, Brody Ramirez 2-17, Amarion Brooks 6-16, Lance Onyeukwu 1-0, Michael Navarette 1-(-2). MUNSTER, Daniel Asgedom 26-102, Max Lesinski 6-73, Joel Trejo 4-19, Henry Adams 2-19, Braden Meyer 2-8, Anthony Cowins 1-0.
PASSING – LAKE CENTRAL, Kwiatkowski 5-9-97-1, Reddick 1-1-22-0. MUNSTER, Matt Opat 1-4-0-0.
RECEIVING – LAKE CENTRAL, LJ Richardson 3-58, James Graham III 2-58, Williams 1-3. MUNSTER, Adams 1-0.