The Immaculata-La Salle Royal Lions are heading into the playoffs with one thing on their minds: bringing home a state championship. After finishing the regular season undefeated with a 9-0 record and winning their district, the team has given its school community plenty of reasons to be excited. Behind the wins, there has been a lot of hard work, preparation, and teamwork that has helped the Royal Lions reach this point.
During the regular season, the Royal Lions scored 353 points and allowed only 96. Their success has come from both their offense and defense, with the team finding ways to score while making it difficult for opponents to put points on the board. Now, as the playoffs begin, the team faces a new challenge against some of the best competition in its division.
For sophomore Antwan Jones, entering the playoffs undefeated feels great. When asked which game prepared the team the most, Jones chose St. John Neumann, explaining that it was the hardest game the team played all season. He also believes the team’s biggest strength is its coaching staff. When asked what message he wanted to give the school community, Jones assuredly said, “We’re bringing back a state championship this year.” His answer shows how much confidence the players have heading into the postseason.
Jayvion Robinson, a member of the Class of 2028, also shared his thoughts about the team’s undefeated season. Although he feels good about the record, he knows the team cannot relax. “The job’s not finished. We got to keep fighting and just keep putting up points how we usually do,” he said. He believes the team’s success comes from everyone playing physically and not letting each other down. When asked what winning a state championship would mean to the program, he answered, “Everything. Literally everything.” Robinson also made it clear that the team is not worried about who it faces in the championship, saying, “Anybody. We don’t pick faces.”
Defensive coordinator Coach D’Andre Mickens explained that one of the team’s biggest strengths this season has been its mindset. He believes the players compete with pride and care for one another, which makes them difficult to beat. “Even when we were down, we always had it in our mind and in our hearts to fight till the end,” he said. He also explained that the team prepared for this kind of challenge throughout the summer.
Coach Mickens also discussed about how he keeps the defense focused despite allowing fewer than 100 points during the regular season. He gives the players a different challenge every week to keep them motivated and prepared. He highlighted the game against the Gulliver Raiders, where the defense made about three important goal-line stops. Those stops showed the team’s discipline, preparation, and ability to come together when it mattered most.
While the players focus on winning games, athletic trainer Ms. Camille Wilkerson has an important job behind the scenes. As the team gets closer to the playoffs, she makes sure players are taking care of their bodies and getting treatment for any injuries or soreness. She explained that she regularly checks on athletes, communicates with coaches, and reminds players to take care of themselves at home. Her work includes rehabilitation, ice baths, and recovery drinks to help players stay healthy throughout the season.
Ms. Wilkerson also understands how important a championship would be for the program. When asked what winning the first state championship would mean, she explained that it would be something the school has never experienced before. “There’s no words to it,” she said. Her interview shows that the team’s success depends on more than just the players and coaches. It also takes the people working behind the scenes to keep everyone ready.
The Royal Lions compete in FHSAA Class 2A, Region 4, District 9. As they enter the playoffs, their focus is on staying healthy, continuing to work hard, and keeping the same determination that helped them finish the regular season undefeated.
The Royal Lions have already accomplished a lot this season, but they know their biggest challenge is still ahead. With an undefeated record, a district title, a determined coaching staff, and people working behind the scenes, Immaculata-La Salle has a chance to make school history. The goal is simple: keep fighting, stay focused, and bring home the first state championship.
