Heartbreak in Williston: Lafayette Hornets End Historically Great 2025 Football Season in Playoff Battle
MAYO, FL — The incredible 2025 journey for the Lafayette High School Hornets football team concluded last night, November 14th, in a hard-fought playoff loss to the Williston Red Devils. The Hornets, who energized the entire Lafayette County community with their dominant run, fell on the road in the FHSAA Rural State Championships with a final score of 42-14.
The defeat officially closes the book on a spectacular campaign that saw Head Coach Marcus Edwards’ squad finish with an outstanding 8-3 overall record (8-2 regular season). The Hornets’ stellar performance, fueled by top-tier talent and relentless effort, solidified their status as a major competitor in the Rural Division this year.
The Dual-Threat Dominance: Hornets’ Offensive Leaders
The engine of the Hornets' success was a dynamic offense led by senior quarterback Tywan K. Williamson. Williamson proved to be one of North Florida's most effective dual-threat players, masterfully balancing the air and ground attack.
- Tywan K. Williamson (Sr., QB/CB):Passing TDs: 29 TD passes (Leading the team)Rushing Y/G: 73.8 yards per gameRushing TDs: 9 rushing touchdownsEfficiency: 114.6 QB Rating
- Parker Hill (Sr., WR/DB):Receiving TDs: 11 receiving touchdowns (Averaging 1.1 per game)Receiving Y/G: 63.1 yards per gameTotal Touchdowns: 9 Total TDs
- Ryland Wine (Jr., TE/DE):Receiving TDs: 6 receiving touchdowns
Williamson's effectiveness was undeniable, boasting a 114.6 QB Rating and a 57.2% completion rate, showcasing his accuracy and leadership. His main target, fellow senior Parker Hill, was a true threat downfield, hauling in 11 receiving touchdowns and averaging over 63 yards per game. The high volume of scoring made the Hornets one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Mayo area.
Defense Stands Strong: The Heart of Lafayette’s Grit
While the offense garnered attention, the Hornets’ defense provided the crucial stops that secured many of the team's eight victories. The defensive unit was anchored by hard-hitting linebackers and disruptive linemen who consistently pressured opposing offenses.
- Trevor Byrd (Jr., RB/LB):Tackles Per Game: 8.0 tackles per game (Team leader)
- Zamarion Hawkins (So., DL/LB):Sacks: 4.0 sacks (Team leader)Fumble Recoveries: 3 fumble recoveries
- Alex Townsend (So., RB/CB):Caused Fumbles: 3 forced fumblesTackles Per Game: 6.8 tackles per game
- Kade Brannon (Sr., LB):Sacks: 3.5 sacksCaused Fumbles: 2 forced fumbles
Junior Trevor Byrd led the team with an impressive 8.0 tackles per game, while the future looks bright with sophomores like Alex Townsend and Zamarion Hawkins leading major statistical categories. Their strong performances in the trenches and the secondary give the program a solid foundation for continued success.
Looking Ahead: Building on the 8-Win Season
The 2025 season will be remembered for the team's five-game winning streak and dominance over district rivals, including massive wins over Branford (55-7) and Trenton (47-6). The Hornets proved they could compete with the best, and while the playoff loss is a bitter pill, the overall record of 8-3 is a monumental achievement for the community in Mayo, FL.
As the team says goodbye to an impactful senior class, the depth of talent, especially at key defensive positions, suggests the Hornets are poised to make another deep run in the FHSAA Rural State Championships next year. The Lafayette County community eagerly awaits the next chapter in Hornets football.
