MAYO — After a strong season last year, the Lafayette High football team fell just short of the playoffs. The Hornets are looking to get back to the playoffs in 2017 by defeating some familiar opponents.

“We feel like we have a very balanced and competitive schedule,” said Hornets coach Joey Pearson. “We play all our traditional rivals, including Trenton, who has been a powerhouse in recent years. We added back Chiefland and Gainesville PK Yonge, whom we have played many times through the years.”

Pearson said Lafayette will play its first ever out of state game when the Hornets travel to Brookwood (Thomasville, Georgia) on Aug. 25.

LHS will have a bye week after playing rival Branford on Sept. 29 and then alternate home and away games during the final four weeks.

“I feel like with this schedule, if we win seven or eight games, we should have a reasonable shot to have enough points to get in the playoffs,” Pearson said. “If we win less then we probably don’t deserve to be there.”

Lafayette began spring practice on Monday. The Hornets’ spring game is May 20 at 7 p.m. at Bronson High.