AJ Sports

By Gerard Hetman ghetman@theabingtonjournal.com

When a proud and storied football program looks to rebuild under a new coach, having a young, promising player to build around can only help with the return to excellence.

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Above, Eric Laytos during the preseason.

Abington Journal File Photo Alice Stuffle

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For the Lions of Lackawanna Trail Jr./Sr. High School, Eric Laytos is just that type of player.

A sophomore, the Factoryville resident has been a catalyst for a young Lions team that features just four seniors on the roster. While he is becoming known as a rugged fullback with a punishing running style, Laytos is also a tackling machine at inside linebacker, and pulls triple-duty by serving as the Lions’ starting kicker. It’s a taxing workload, but Laytos is proving to be capable and talented in all three phases of the game, according to Lackawanna Trail head coach Steve Jervis.

“Eric is a big, strong guy—he’s got a big leadership role for us, even at a young age,” said Jervis. “He runs the ball with authority, and is a great lead blocker when we need it.”

While the Lions have not picked up a win in their first two games, Laytos has piled up 93 rushing yards on 18 carries, with a 11-yard touchdown run in the team’s 13-22 loss against Montrose Area High School. Having contributed heavily as a freshman during the team’s 1-9 campaign in 2008, Laytos is eager to return the program to the championship levels that were on display during his elementary school and junior high days.

While Laytos has become a familiar sight for Lions fans and opponents alike, his coaches and teammates are just as excited for the future of the team as they are for his current potential. Citing an example from a recent contest, Jervis spoke of his young player’s ability to take over the momentum and direction of a contest. Ability, he said, that is something to build on for the future.

“When he had the touchdown run against Montrose, we fed him the ball on that drive and they couldn’t stop us,” Jervis said. “He kept running hard and it wore down the defense. That’s an important element for us to build on in the future,”

Looking to the future, while Laytos is in just his second year of high school, his potential to continue his academic and athletic careers at the next level is obvious for many to see. As such, Jervis is eager for his young star to stay dedicated and committed—first in the classroom, then in the weight room and on the football field.

“Our staff stays on all of our players about the importance of their classes, and in Eric’s case he’s got obvious potential to play at the next level,” said Jervis. “We want to see him do the best he can both on and off the field.”