The Lakeland Christian Vikings Football Program probably won’t know what to do with themselves once talented Class of 2017 QB/DB Larenz Deshazor finally graduates. After all, he’s been playing varsity for the Vikings since he was in the Seventh Grade in 2011. Back then, Deshazor was a wiry 5-foot-10, 155-pounds–and now, he’s stands at 6-foot, 185-pounds some five years later.
The impact that Deshazor has made through the years at LCS probably cannot be stated in words, but the numbers he has compiled since becoming a member on the roster for the Vikings tell a pretty good story. This season, Deshazor started with lining up at the wide receiver position–to which he was already at 8 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns through the first three games of the season. A torn ACL by starting QB Tyler Wilkerson saw Deshazor lining up under center since week three and the junior has helped to deliver a playoff appearance for a second consecutive time and the second postseason appearance in program history.
As mentioned, all the way back in middle school Deshazor was making an difference for LCS, catching eleven passes that season for 102 yards, while adding eight tackles and recovering two fumbles. That season was the first season at LCS for Head Coach Wayne Peace as well. That season, the Vikings finished 6-4.
In 2012 while in the eighth grade, Deshazor matched those totals and then some on both sides of the ball catching 8 passes, but this time for 132 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 27 tackles, 2 passes defensed, recovered and caused two fumbles each helping the Vikings go 7-3.
His freshman season–a six-footer and nearly 20 pounds heavier, Deshazor saw time at the running back position carrying ten times, but for just six yards in net, but also managed to reach the end zone twice. His receiving numbers started to flourish catching 28 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Deshazor also posted 24 tackles–18 solo–while being credited with four passes defensed and fumble recoveries a piece. LCS finished 7-3 again in 2013.
Last season as a sophomore, he caught 53 passes for 959 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 29 tackles–22 solo–while intercepting two passes, defending nine passes and causing and recovering a fumble each while helping LCS reach–and win a district championship and regional championship posting an 11-2 record.
This season as a QB, Deshazor finished up the seven games he played at the position completing 44 of his 74 passes for 571 yards–with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed 70 times for 281 yards and posted five touchdowns o go with the two receiving touchdowns mentioned earlier. His presence on defense has also been felt with three interceptions returning those for 157 yards while being credited for four passes defenses, a fumble recovery and a fumble caused.
The Vikings travel to Ocala this Friday to take on Trinity Catholic, who are the 3A-3 Champions. The Celtics have won 29-straight district games during the regular season, but also finished just 3-7 overall this year–with all three of their wins coming in-district.