While he has competed in multiple sports throughout his time at Brownstown Central, there’s one place Lance Goecker couldn’t leave — the gridiron.
Goecker has played football for nine years, and it’s his sole athletics focus for his senior year.
This season, Goecker plays linebacker and fullback for the Braves.
Goecker transitioned to primarily a linebacker from defensive back last season and has thrived in the role.
“It’s a lot easier than playing at (defensive back),” Goecker said. “You get into a lot of the tackles and are always reading the ball. It’s a good place to play. I think I read well and get in there and mess up plays. I try to help the linemen with their reads and filling up the holes.”
While he’s listed at 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Goecker packs a punch.
Thus far this season, he is tied for sixth most tackles on the team with 27 (10 solo, 17 assists).
Goecker also isn’t afraid to go after opposing quarterbacks. He has the second most sacks with three on the season.
Last week, Goecker scored his first defensive touchdown by returning a 64-yard fumble for a score.
In the Braves’ shotgun Wing-T offense, Goecker primarily serves as a lead blocker.
“Playing fullback, I just like blocking for my teammates and helping them score,” Goecker said. “We have a few plays where we get to run the ball up the middle, too.”
Going into the last week of the regular season, Goecker has run the ball 16 times for 84 yards for an average of 5.3 per carry.
The senior said his fondest memory is winning the sectional last season.
While he will miss playing the game, Goecker said he will miss the Friday night lights the most.
“Before all the games, we just have a lot of fun back there (in the locker room),” Goecker said. “I’m going to miss the entire atmosphere. The fans bring it every Friday night.
“It’s a true team sport. Everyone has to come together and play their role.”
As the season closes, Goecker said the seniors are pushing the team to compete at the highest level.
“Going into the last few weeks, we really need to improve,” he said. “Going into the sectional, we need to play the best football possible. We just need to be the best we can be.”
Outside of athletics, Goecker is a 10-year 4-H member and is a part of the FFA and Booster Club.
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The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 52-14 win against Silver Creek.
Earning honors are Gavin Bane, Offensive Back MVP; Clark Hauer, Offensive Line MVP; Trevor Colby, Defensive Line/Inside Linebacker MVP; Lance Goecker and Andrew Murphy, Defensive Back/Dime MVP; Tristan Robinson, Special Teams MVP; Jalen Tiemeyer, Scout Team MVP.
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What: Brownstown Central (7-1) at Corydon Central (3-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Radio: 96.3 WJAA
Where: Corydon Central field
Last outing: Brownstown Central def. Silver Creek 52-14, Salem def. Corydon Central 57-36
Most recent meeting: Brownstown Central won 57-6 on Oct. 16, 2015
Series past 30 years: Brownstown Central 26-5
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Name: Lance Goecker
School: Brownstown Central High School
Siblings: Olivia, Nick, Thad
Sport: Football, four years
Athletic highlights: 2015 football sectional champions
Organizations: FFA, Booster Club, 4-H
Plans after high school: Attend Purdue University
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: “SportsCenter”
Favorite musician: Jason Aldean
Favorite movie: “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Favorite athlete: Peyton Manning
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