The Ladue Rams advanced all the way to the Class 4 state championship game last season before dropping a 14-0 decision to state powerhouse Webb City.
The Rams are once again one of the top Class 4 teams in the state, and they are proving it every week with one dominating performance after another. Ladue has won its first four games with some excellent athletes on offense and a stingy defense that has surrendered just 20 points this season.
Junior quarterback Henry McIntosh has stepped in for graduated standout Jordan Jackson and has kept the offense humming. McIntosh has passed for 668 yards and eight touchdowns. Standout receiver Dale Chesson is a big-play performer who has 12 receptions for 231 yards and six touchdowns. Senior running back Andrew Hunt has rushed for 375 yards and five touchdowns.
Ladue’s defense is strong and physical up front with 6’7” 255-pound senior Moses Okpala and 6’1” 290-pound defensive tackle in the mix. There is also a strong group of linebackers and defensive backs in senior Brandon West and juniors Callen Morley, Brock Jones, Godeon Boaten and Mason Player.
The success figures to continue in the future as the Rams have many juniors playing key roles this season. On Friday, Ladue will visit rival Clayton, who is also off to a 4-0 start this season.
Individual standouts
Vianney’s Kyren Williams amassed 284 yards of total offense and scored four touchdowns in the Griffins’ victory over Chaminade.
CBC’s Bryan Bradford rushed for 312 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Cadets’ victory over DeSmet.
Eureka sophomore Carter Davis passed for 375 yards and six touchdowns in the Wildcats’ victory over Lafayette.
Parkway North’s Napier Perkins rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings victory over Parkway West.
Belleville West receiver Dominic Lovett caught five passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Alton.
Lutheran South’s Vito Orlando threw five touchdown passes, including the game-winner with seven seconds left, in a victory over John Burroughs.
On tap this weekend
Vianney (3-1) at DeSmet (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
Kirkwood (4-0) at Pattonville (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
Francis Howell (2-2) at Troy (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
Ladue (4-0) at Clayton (4-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Hazelwood East (3-1) at Hazelwood Central (2-2), Saturday, noon
MICDS (4-0) at John Burroughs (3-1), Saturday, 2 p.m.
