Lafayette Christian defensive standouts include, from back left, Jaimason Marzell, Jayden Arceneaux, Sky Ryan Alexander and Luke Green; from front left, Kaleb Simon and Kaydin Paul.
What we know
Lafayette Christian is once again loaded with talent on both the offensive and defensive sides of the football.
So, expect the Knights to be even better than they were a year ago when they reached the quarterfinals of the Division III select playoffs.
“This is the most balanced that we have been,” Knights coach Matt Standiford said. “We’re definitely more balanced than we were last year. We won’t be lacking on offense or defense.”
Offensively, the Knights return six starters, led by quarterback Braylon Walker, a UL Ragin’ Cajuns commit, and receiver Brayden Allen, who recently committed to Tulane.
Defense might ultimately be the strength of the Knights’ team with seven returning starters and another six players who received playing time a year ago. The unit is led by Cajuns commit Luke Green at safety, linebackers Jaimason Marzell and Kaleb Simon and junior cornerback Sky Ryan Alexander.
“If the offense or the defense is winning every day in practice, then something is wrong,” Standiford said. “That hasn’t been the case. It’s been balanced to where the offense wins one day, and the defense wins another day.”
What we don't know
The Knights suffered losses to the offensive line, but they have two impressive players at the left and right tackle positions in Kaleb Campbell and Torrey Landry. But the key to the unit will be determined by how well they play at the guard and center positions.
“We have to replace some guys up front,” Standiford said. “We’re going to have a new center that we converted from the defensive line and a new left guard. But they’ve both done really well so far. We’re excited to see what those guys can do.”
Standiford identified special teams as another area of concern for the Knights, who have to replace kicker Lincoln Aragona. But Standiford likes the two options they have to choose from in junior Jude Fairchild and freshman Kenner Thibeaux, both of whom have soccer backgrounds.
“Our punter graduated, and our kicker transferred,” Standiford said. “Last year, we had the luxury of kicking field goals 40 yards and in.”
How we see it
The Knights, who have dynamic weapons all over the field, are going to be one of the best teams in the state. If they stay healthy, the Knights should once again be a title contender in Division III select.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Braylon Walker
Braylon Walker
QB, 5-11, 170, Sr.
Walker is a tremendous athlete who showed last year he’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field. A dual threat under center, Walker has great speed and the arm strength to make every throw.
Brayden Allen
Brayden Allen
WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Allen is one of the best receivers to ever play for the Knights. The Tulane commit has a great combination of size and speed. He’s an outstanding route runner, and his jump ball skills are second to none.
Caiden Bellard
Caiden Bellard
RB, 5-10, 180, So.
Bellard is the bell cow in the Knights’ backfield, and it comes as no surprise that big things are expected from the second-year running back. Bellard has the speed to run past and the power to run through would-be tacklers. He’s also an asset in the passing game as he’s equipped with great hands.
Jaimason Marzell
Jaimason Marzell
LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.
Marzell has developed into a great defender. He has all the tools to be a game-changer for the Knights. Marzell, who plays with a nonstop motor, is a ferocious tackler who, according to Standiford, “is trying to run through your face.”
Luke Green
Luke Green
FS, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Green is the quarterback of the Knights’ defense. Although he doesn’t have many interceptions in his career, Green has good ball skills. He doesn’t shy away from contact and has proven to be an outstanding tackler in run support.
Lafayette Christian offensive standouts include, from back left, Torrey Guidry, Brayden Allen, Braylon Walker and Kaleb Campbell; from front left, Draylon August and Caiden Bellard.
Projected Starters
Offense
WR Brayden Allen (6-2, 180, Sr.)*
WR Draylon August (6-1, 165, Sr.)*
WR Jace Babineaux (5-10, 160, Sr.)
WR Kaden Ledet (5-8, 150, Jr.)
OT Kaleb Campbell (6-9, 305, Sr.)*
OG Lane Broussard (6-0, 200, Jr.)
C Austin Domingues (5-10, 225, Sr.)
OG Gavin Auguillard (5-8, 240, Jr.)*
OT Torrey Landry (6-3, 240, Sr.)*
QB Braylon Walker (5-11, 170, Sr.)*
RB Caiden Bellard (5-10, 180, So.)
Defense
DL Michael Bonnett (6-2, 250, Sr.)*
DL Joseph Adams (6-2, 235, So.)
DL Brayden Lanclos (5-8, 255, Jr.)*
LB Jayden Arceneaux (5-10, 225, Sr.)*
LB Jaimason Marzell (6-2, 205, Sr.)*
LB Kaydin Paul (5-8, 190, Sr.)
LB Kaleb Simon (5-8, 185, Jr.)*
CB Davion Batiste (5-9, 140, Jr.)
CB Sky Ryan Alexander (6-1, 180, Jr.)*
FS Luke Green (6-2, 180, Sr.)*
SS Tristen Jones (5-9, 165, So.)
* Returning starter
Coaches
Matthew Standiford
Head coach: Matt Standiford (5-4)
Assistant coaches: Mitch Craft (DC), Drew Bergeron (STC/DB), Jared Davis (WR), Tuskani Figaro (QB), Will Chance (OL), Shane Broussard (DL), Tyrell Fenroy (RB), Treverance Patt (DB).
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 RUMMEL
Sept. 12 Carencro
Sept. 19 WESTGATE
Sept. 26 Shaw
Oct. 3 Central
Oct. 10 LAFAYETTE RENAISSANCE
Oct. 17 Notre Dame
Oct. 24 Welsh
Oct. 31 EVANGEL
Nov. 7 LAKE ARTHUR
2024 Results
Lost Rummel 42-35
Beat Carencro 38-21
Lost Westgate 39-28
Lost Shaw 31-8
Lost Central-BR 31-22
Beat Lafayette Renaissance 34-19
Lost Notre Dame 42-28
Beat Welsh 43-7
Lost Evangel Christian 56-42
Beat Lake Arthur 64-13
Playoffs
Beat Beekman Charter 72-0
Beat Notre Dame 35-28
Lost Dunham 34-30
Past 5 years
2024: 6-7
2023: 11-3 (state runner-up
2022: 10-4 (state runner-up)
2021: 10-2 (state runner-up)
2020: 9-1 (state champions)