8-Man I Top 8: Braxton Lafferty

Throughout early to mid-December Kansas Pregame contacted 8-Man football coaches in an effort to name the third annual Top 8 team of seniors for both divisions of 8-Man football in Kansas. After an overwhelming response from coaches, and once all the votes were tallied, 16 players were selected.

This is the first of 16 individual player profiles highlighting the Top 8 selections in each division and released in no particular order. Look for more in the coming days.

Braxton Lafferty, RB/LB/ATH, 6-1, 195, Little River

Little River’s Braxton Lafferty was among 8-Man’s most dynamic players throughout his high school career. While his primary positions are often listed as running back and outside linebacker, “athlete” is likely the best description, given his ability to line up anywhere on the field.
 
“Braxton's biggest impact on our offense was his versatility,” Little River head coach Kevin Ayers said. “He can line up at quarterback, running back, or wide receiver. He has such a wide skillset and his ability to run, catch and throw the football make him a special kind of talent. Something that a lot of people don't see is just how good he is at blocking, especially on the edge.”
 
Lafferty was on varsity all four years of his career, helping Little River to a 43-7 record in that time with three state title appearances.
 
During his freshman season he totalled 636 all-purpose yards with seven total touchdowns and tallied 35 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery with most of his production coming in the latter half of the year. The 2019 season ended with Little River advancing to the state quarterfinals before they were knocked out by Wichita County, a team that would become a familiar playoff foe.
 
As a sophomore Lafferty became a focal point in the passing game, catching 30 passes for 582 yards and 10 TDs, with 818 total yards and 14 TD. Defensively he also saw an uptick in production, posting 82 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries – one of which he returned for a TD – and a blocked punt. 
 
Lafferty’s efforts helped Little River to an 11-2 record and an 8-Man I state title – the only one of his career – after they beat Wichita County 70-58 in the championship game.
 
Entering his junior year, Lafferty began to appear as a dynamic player that could challenge teams from any part of the field offensively as he compiled 2,104 total yards – 1,435 rushing, 358 passing, and 311 receiving – along with 34 total TDs. He was dominant on defense as well, recording 90 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, and ball-hawking three interceptions.

“Brax has a nose for the football,” Ayers said. “His ability to be in the right place at the right time is uncanny. He studies film and takes that knowledge to the field on Friday nights. He understands how the offense is trying to attack us. His intelligence with his reads and his ability to react set him apart.”
 
Little River advanced to the title 2021 title game with an undefeated record, but came up just short against Meade, 22-14, finishing the year 12-1.
 
Going into 2022 Little River was among the favorites to win an 8-Man I title, and other than a 66-36 loss to a loaded Canton-Galva team, they made it clear that those predictions were accurate. Lafferty and company tore through the rest of their regular season schedule with their closest game ending 46-14 against Ell-Saline.
 
The next test for Little River wouldn’t come until a quarterfinal matchup with an undefeated, Mitch Budke-led Chase County team. The Redskins were able to overcome the Bulldogs 48-40 in their first scare since Week 1. Lafferty finished the game with 250 total yards and 15 tackles.
 
The next week in the semifinals against 10-1 Burlingame saw Lafferty total 280 yards of offense with five rushing TDs to go with 12 tackles, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery on defense.
 
“Offensively he was as explosive of an athlete as we saw all year, but it was his ability to make the big play when his team needed it that really made him stand out,” Burlingame head coach Jeff Slater said. “It was the two fourth down touchdowns he scored on us where we really saw the elite athlete he is come out. He’s a kid who has done it at a high level his entire career, and he certainly was tough to prepare for and play against this past season.”

In the championship game they again took on Wichita County, but were unable to overcome their playoff rival, losing 54-36 despite a strong showing of 166 total yards, four total TDs, 12 tackles, and two forced fumble by Lafferty. Little River finished the season 11-2.

The standout senior closed out his final year with 2,027 total yards – including 1,647 on the ground – with 36 total TDs on offense. Along with 118 total tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two interceptions, four pass deflections, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked punts on defense.

Ayers had no issue pointing out what the team will miss most about Lafferty’s impact.

“His competitiveness,” Ayers said. “If it's a competitive situation Braxton brings it and his teammates fed on that.  When it's time to go to work Brax goes to work. We will miss his energy at practice and the way he prepares.  He leads by example and can also motivate with his words.”
 
The 6-1, 195 pound Lafferty has received scholarship offers from Bethel and Coffeyville Community College and could see more as his senior basketball season progresses.