The Eagles are flying high into 2026 after capturing the 2025 KHSAA Class 2A State Championship with a thrilling 33-28 victory over Owensboro Catholic at Kroger Field. It was LCA's second title in program history and first in 2A, shaking off some tough losses in recent years and proving they're a force in 2A.

 

Coach Oakley Watkins enters Year #2 at the helm after a successful debut season. Finishing 12-3, with losses to state runner-up Franklin County, and state champions CAL and Boyle County.

 

The program graduated a talented senior class that led the charge, including standouts like Brody Adams (OL), Mac Darland (MLB/RB), Dean Hester (K/P), Tyler King (WR/CB), Holder Klaiber (OL), Logan Mays (TE/DE), Jamey Lee Patterson (DL), and Jaxon Ramsey (DL).

 

These guys were instrumental in the title win, but the cupboard isn't bare—plenty of young talent stepped up in 2025. In fact, LCA returns 8 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense for the 2026 season.

 

KEY RETURNERS FOR 2026

OFFENSE

QB: Nash Whelan (Jr) - State Championship MVP. 2,526 yards pass with 28 TDs. Led LCA in rushing with 1,047 yards and 16 TDs. 

RB: Daven Hood (Sr) - 578 yards rushing and 13 TDs. Average over 6 yards per carry. Bennett Gudalis (Sr) 416 yards rushing and 9 TDs.

WR: Sam Pearson (Sr) - 480 yards receiving and 7 TDs. Dawson Farmer (Jr) 323 yards receiving and 3 TDs. Jermiah Burbade - 275 yards receiving and 3 TDs.

 

DEFENSE

DL: Bode Darland (Jr) - 54 tackles, 14 TFLs, 3 sacks. Conrad Heart (Sr) - 47 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks.

LB: Aiden Lyons (Sr) - Team leading tackler. 89 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1 INT. Thomas Seizmore (Jr) - 74 tackles, 4 TFLs.

Secondary: Sam Pearson (Sr) - 23 tackles, 4 INTs. Collin Hensley (Sr) - 31 tackles, 1 INT. Daven Hood (Sr) - 47 tackles, 1 INT. Nash Whelan (Jr) - 41 tackles, 1 INT. Jeremiah Burbage (Jr) - 24 tackles. 

 

STRENGTHS
Defending state champs with a battle-tested team. The offense has potential continuity at QB and skill positions, and the defense returns some athletic pieces who played key roles. Watkins' system clicked in Year 1, and with another offseason, this team could be even more explosive.

 

CONCERNS
Missing a senior leader at middle linebacker in Mac Darland. He was the QB of the defense in 2025. Can someone step into this role? Both sides of the line might need time to gel, as LCA loses some key big men. LCA returns all the rest of their receiving core, but who replaces explosive receiver Tyler King, who was team leader (by far) in both yards receiving (1049) and receiving TDs (12)?

 

UNOFFICIAL 2026 SCHEDULE

8/21 TBD (eCampus Bowl)
8/29 Pulaski County (Rebel Bowl)
9/4 CAL (Asbury Bowl)
9/11 Franklin County
9/18 at Lexington Catholic
9/25 Bye Week
10/2 DuBois
10/19 at Shawnee
10/16 at Danville
10/23 Washington County
10/30 at Pleasure Ridge Park

 

Outlook

High expectations as always for LCA—anything short of a deep playoff run would be a letdown after hoisting the trophy. With Watkins building momentum and a hungry group of returners, repeating as champs isn't out of the question. This team has the talent to contend in 2A again.

 

Let's hear your thoughts.

 

I like their chances of repeating with what they got coming back and a coach going into his 2nd year, more experience and knowledge always help. Champs until otherwise someone knocks them off the pedestal. 

Bump.

Class of 2027 TE Conrad Hart has committed to Kentucky.

Here is another picture, congrats, Conrad!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot going on at LCA right now. Another offer....

 

 

 

DI offers continue to roll in for the reigning 2A champs.

Great kid!!! Very well deserved.  Congrats Daven.

 

On 5/14/2026 at 4:19 PM, Cobraxx said:

 

 

 

 

The Station/LCA scrimmage is on the NFHS tonight:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/bryan-station-high-school-lexington-ky/gambb447abcd4