‘We want to go for more’: Lakeview aims higher after first playoff run since 2017

CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – The Lakeview football program returned to winning ways last season when first year head coach Derrick Bush led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2017.

“We put in a lot last year, and it showed; the first playoff appearance in forever, and I hope to bring that back this year,” Lakeview senior running back Thomas Easton said. “But not only a playoff experience, we want to win this year; we want to see more than that. We want to go for more.”

After just six total wins for the Bulldogs across 4 seasons, Lakeview nearly topped that with five wins on the way to the playoffs a year ago.

“Ever since then, these guys have been hungry, ready to work and I’m really excited for the senior class and this team going into 2024,” Bush said.

Those 11 seniors will lead the team into the season, highlighted by running back Thomas Easton and his nearly 1,000 rushing yards as a junior, and a new signal caller in quarterback Drew McKowan, who transferred in ahead of his senior year.

“A lot of times, like when he was at Harding and I was at JFK, we’d still go up here, we’d get routes in together,” Easton said. “We grew up together. It just feels like a brotherhood with him. He’s a great player, and he’s a great addition to this team, and I’m excited to see what he can bring to the table. he can bring a lot, and I know he can.”

“I love this team, I love being a part of it, we’ve got a great culture,” McKowan said. “So just being a part of it and cherish every day, every moment, practice like it’s my last because you never know when it will be your last time playing.”

Headed into year two at the helm, Bush and the Bulldogs know that in the Northeast 8 Conference, you have to compete with the best of the best week in and week out.

“We have a group of kids that really are hungry,” Bush said. “South Range Pole and Struthers have been at the top and we want to compete the best we can with them, so we’re excited to get after it.”

Easton said he is most excited to see the team win.

“Just seeing our team win, that’s all I want to see,” Easton said.

Lakeview begins the 2024 campaign at home as they host Holy Name on Friday, August 23. View the Bulldogs full schedule for the upcoming season right here .

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