Lamar High School desperately needed a spark after starting the 2025 fall season 0–3.
Senior running back Larry Sanders provided it with bursts of power and determination. The 5-foot-7, 170-pound senior running back carried the Texans to their first win of the 2025 season, scoring four touchdowns in a 38–7 victory over Alief Elsik.
For Sanders, the breakout performance wasn’t just about the scoreboard; it was the culmination of patience, preparation and lessons learned in the shadows of a star before him.
“Finishing and not letting up was my mindset heading into this game,” said Sanders. “We were tired of losing and I knew we needed energy and toughness from the start.”
Sanders finished with 142 yards on just seven carries in his first varsity season as the starting running back. Lamar had dropped games to Atascocita, Summer Creek and Clear Springs, but against Elsik, the tone was different.
“I felt good during warmups,” said Sanders. “My legs felt fresh because of the ice bath I took the day before and after my first run, I knew my line was ready to ball.”
He opened the scoring with his first touchdown of the season on a play called Indiana Smack True.
“That first drive brought the team energy and showed us we were ready to play our game,” said Sanders.
The win gave Lamar much-needed confidence heading into 6A Region III District 18 play, a district they’ve finished first in each of the past four years.
“We heard the talk about how we’re only good in district play,” said Sanders. “But our losses this season came mostly from not playing as a team. This win gave us confidence.”
Sanders’ rise to the spotlight didn’t happen overnight. As a junior, he sat behind senior running back Chaseton Guidry, using the year to study, learn and prepare.
“He showed me to be patient and wait for my time,” said Sanders. “He also taught me how to be slow to, but fast through, the hole. With his catching ability, he showed me the importance of running my routes fully to keep the defense on their toes.”
Guidry also modeled leadership.
“He taught me to set the tone and pick up my teammates,” said Sanders.
For Sanders, patience didn’t come easily. He had started every year of his career until he made the varsity team as a junior, but there he was asked to wait.
“It was frustrating, but I trusted the process and used that time to get stronger, smarter and more prepared,” said Sanders.
Guidry saw the work firsthand.
“I watched Larry put in a lot of hard work his junior year and now I get to see it pay off,” said Guidry. “What stood out most was his quickness and speed out of the backfield. Larry has great vision, patience, control and balance.”
While Guidry provided the blueprint, Sanders’ style is his own.
“Because I’m 5-7, 170 pounds, I’m on the smaller side for a running back,” said Sanders. “People remind me all the time, but that motivates me to keep working hard.”
As a junior, Sanders ran for 503 rushing yards on 65 carries, scoring eight touchdowns and adding 932 all-purpose yards. Through four games this season, he has run for 328 yards on 44 carries with four touchdowns.
“I’m a small running back, but my quickness, balance and toughness separate me. I can slip through tackles easier.”
Larry Sanders
“I’m a small running back, but my quickness, balance and toughness separate me,” said Sanders. “I can slip through tackles easier.”
He models his game after Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
“He’s not the biggest, but his speed, quickness and vision are really good,” said Sanders.
Lamar head coach Michael Lindsey sees those same traits in Sanders.
“Larry is not a big running back, but he is very tough,” said Lindsey. “He has a strong lower body and isn’t scared to run inside. He has elite burst speed and is very effective in the outside zone.”
While Sanders’ size might make him an underdog in some eyes, his leadership and determination have given Lamar something more than rushing yards: belief.
“Getting our first season win shows that if we play as a team, we can win district and make a playoff run like everyone expects us to,” said Sanders.
“The win was big,” said Lindsey. “These kids deserved it. I love this senior class. They’ve responded well each week and haven’t made excuses. It’s going to be a great season.”
Lindsey praised Sanders for the tone he sets in practice.
“Larry’s competitive nature stands out,” said Lindsey. “He blocks for his teammates and makes impressive efforts downfield when he isn’t getting the ball.”
From waiting his turn to carrying the load, Sanders’ story is proof of what happens when patience meets preparation. If the game against Elsik was any indication, Lamar may have just found the engine to drive them through the rest of the season.
“It’s early,” said Sanders. “We still have a long way to go.”
About Larry Sanders:
Class: 2026
IG: @_liilarry
Twitter: @LarrySanders2_
Position: Running back
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 170 pounds
Favorite artist: Lil Baby
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subjects: Math
Shout-outs: Juelz Wilson, Cruz Herrera, Jacarsten Landor and Enrico Moore
