MAYO, Fla. — As the regular season winds down for the Lafayette High football team, Hornet fans won’t want to miss a second of action in the upcoming weeks.    

Not only is Lafayette excited for the postseason, these are the last opportunities to witness the outstanding quarterback-receiver combination of Jaxson Beach and Ben Massey. 

Beach, a junior quarterback in his second full season as a starter, is putting up huge numbers again with 1829 yards passing, 962 yards rushing and a combined 31 touchdowns through nine games. He’s a tough runner who isn’t afraid to barrel into defenders for a few extra yards. He also has the speed to outrun defenses and an accurate arm that can make all the throws.  

Combing Beach’s talent with the senior Massey, (1,728 career receiving yards, 28 touchdowns) who is playing in final high school games, has made for some unforgettable football the past two seasons.

“It’s fun playing with him because you’re known as the dynamic duo,” Massey said of competing alongside Beach. “Jaxson is dynamic back there, and I can be dynamic as well. 

“He’s a special guy. Most quarterbacks just aren’t athletic like that.”

What makes them even more dangerous is the relationship they have developed.  

Lafayette coach Joey Pearson spoke about the bond between the two. 

“After two seasons, they have some little things they know about each other,” Pearson said. “Ben, as far as ways to get open and Jaxson as ways to find him. I’ve seen that quarterback-receiver relationship and they’ve been so successful together.

“When you’ve got guys that are all-state performers, it elevates the play of everybody.”

Preparing to face Lafayette’s high-octane offense is certainly a challenge. The Hornets have weapons across the field and they use a no-huddle offense that doesn’t allow defenses a chance to rest. 

That offense uses all sorts of formations, misdirection and gives Beach a chance to read defenses, and also improvise.    

“We can put on a show during games, but it’s the work we do in practice that nobody sees that’s why we’ve come so far,” Beach said. “I have a lot of freedom over our offense, so I can see things we can run to him (Massey) or possibilities to get him open — I can make those calls and get him the ball.

“It’s fun. He makes my job a lot easier.”

While Lafayette has struggled on defense this year, the offense has done its part to keep the Hornets with a winning record and a clear path to the playoffs. 

Every time the Hornets get the ball there’s an expectation to score.

Having Beach and Massey certainly helps. 

“It makes you feel comfortable,” LHS linebacker Blake Braswell said. “If there’s a busted play, odds are Ben is going to get the ball and it’s going to be alright.”

Lafayette linebacker Jarrett Pearson spoke about the connection between his standout quarterback and wide receiver. 

“Sometimes receivers and quarterbacks can disagree on things,” said Pearson. “They’re usually always on the same page. They have such respect for each other. How good they each are at their position.”

Massey, who already has two offers to play college football, is likely to play at the next level.

But he’s focused on the playoffs now.  

“If we come together as a team and take pride in what we do, fight for each other, there’s no telling how far we can go,” Massey said.