West Chester, OH (December 15, 2021)
Lakota West Athletic Department hosted an athletic signing event on Wednesday afternoon in the new Dr. Kremchek funded Lakota West Football “War Room” on the first day of the NCAA Football Early Signing Period. Seniors Alex Afari, Jyaire Brown, Lathan McComis and Tegra Tshabola signed their commitment letters to continue their academic and athletic careers at their respective schools. The four seniors played major roles on a historic 2021 football season where the team set a school record for most wins in a season (11) and the longest winning streak (11) while working their way to the Elite 8 in the OHSAA football playoffs. The Lakota West Football program now boasts 183 player signings since the school opened in 1997. Lakota West will host another football signing event on the first day of the Regular Football Signing Period on February 2nd.
For more information on NCAA National Letter of Intent Signing Periods, please visit: http://www.nationalletter.org/
Link to Enquirer Article “Tegra Tshabola of Lakota West signs to block for Ohio State Buckeyes”
Link to Enquirer Article “Shutdown corner Jyaire Brown of Lakota West signs with Ohio State”
Link to Enquirer Article “Lakota West athlete Alex Afari signs with Kentucky football”
Link to Enquirer National Signing Day Photos
Link to Journal-News Article “Two future Buckeyes among four Lakota West players who sign with college programs”
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Alex Afari-Football-University of Kentucky
A stalwart in the defensive secondary, the 6’3” 200 Viper Back can play as a deep safety, cover corner, or edge setter against opposing tight ends. Alex has the gift of size, speed, and strength which make him a threat in coverage and in stopping the run. He was selected as a 2021 team captain by his Firebird teammates and a three time All-GMC recipient. Afari was named 1st team All-State both junior and senior seasons. Over three seasons, Afari collected 88 tackles and four interceptions. In his senior season, he also collected 307 yards receiving, three TD receptions and one rushing TD. Coach Bolden said, “Alex is one of those players that needs to be accounted for by opposing offenses because if you don’t find him he will definitely find you.”
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Jyaire Brown-The Ohio State University
Chosen by his teammates as a 2021 team captain, “Jyaire is the model cover corner. He has quick feet and hands, speed, and ball instincts you just don’t find in most players. Opponents’ game plans simply were to not throw to his side, and those who tried, regretted the move. As good as he is defensively, he spent this year playing two ways and making significant contributions to the Firebirds increased offensive output,” said Lakota West Coach Tom Bolden. Brown is a two year First Team All-GMC and First Team All-State. He’s also been honored with an invitation to the All-American Bowl. In his two years at Lakota West, Brown collected 5 interceptions, 416 yards receiving, five TD receptions and two punt return TD’s. Bolden said his competitive edge is unparalleled, motor is non-stop, and his drive to be better daily is what makes him as great as he is.
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Lathan McComis-Wofford College
The three year starter can play anywhere on the offensive line. He began his career as a Sophomore at center but moved to right tackle as a Junior and has been a stalwart at right tackle for the Firebirds the past two seasons. This past year he also spent some time playing defensive line. He has earned 1st Team All-GMC and 1st Team All-Southwest Ohio honors the last two seasons. The 6”4” 275 lbs lineman loves competition and displays great athleticism. “Lathan has a high motor, a driven work ethic, quick feet and hands, and explosiveness at the point of attack that make him a valuable asset anywhere on the offensive line,” said Lakota West Coach Tom Bolden.
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Tegra Tshabola-The Ohio State University
The 6’6” 330lbs imposing left tackle is a four year letter winner for the GMC Champion Firebirds. Tegra was selected as a team captain by his peers for the 2021 season. He is a three-time 1st Team All-Conference selection and a two-time All-Southwest Ohio and First Team All-State selection. He has been a starter at left tackle since his Sophomore year and has not missed a game since. He has been selected to play in the elite high school All-American Bowl this January in San Antonio, Texas.
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