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Hilltopper RB LaFrance emerges as playmaker

Down 31-21 to Maine in the fourth quarter Saturday and needing a big play, Western Kentucky went to its speedy new freshman.

Running back Garland LaFrance lined up in the backfield next to quarterback Drew Eckels for a shotgun snap from the Hilltoppers’ 25-yard line. After the ball was snapped, the freshman LaFrance took off on a wheel route down the left sideline.

Wide receiver Xavier Lane came off the left side and ran a shallow cross that occupied two defenders, including the linebacker who was supposed to cover LaFrance. Eckels spotted his open running back and quickly got him the ball.