When one scans the stat sheet for the 2025 season in Kentucky high school football, one name stands out among defenders: Crayson Lafferty of Martin County Cardinals. Based on this information we are excited to name him our Defensive Player of the Year.
Stand-out Numbers
According to the KHSAA’s statewide stat leaders:
- In the 2025 statewide list of top tacklers, Lafferty appears with 12 games played, 79 solo tackles, 71 assisted tackles, for a total of 150 tackles — which gives him an average of 12.5 tackles per game.
What This Means on the Field
Those are not just numbers — they are a reflection of consistency, physicality and defensive instinct:
- At 12.5 tackles per game, Lafferty is consistently near the very top of the statistical leaderboard.
- The 10+ tackles for loss in 2025 suggest he is not just cleaning up plays, but actively making negative-yardage stops.
The Bigger Picture
For Martin County’s defense, having a player like Lafferty means stability and leadership at the key positions. He’s someone the opponents must account for on every snap — whether it’s in the box, pursuing from the edge, or reacting to run or pass. In team-defensive strategy, a player who can rack up tackles and make plays behind the line forces opposing offenses to adjust scheme and personnel, which opens up opportunities for teammates.
A Final Salute
In a season where every yard matters and every stop counts, Crayson Lafferty has set himself apart. From his stat-line to his recognition as our APSN Defensive Player of the Year, he embodies what a high-school-level defensive standout should be: relentless, productive and impactful. For Martin County, he’s not just a number — he’s a difference-maker.
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