Varsity spotlight: LaFluer saves day for Tigers
Mexico senior SirSaxon LaFluer rushes the passer during a varsity football game against Cortland on Sept. 25.
By JOSH ST. CROIX
MEXICO — When he isn’t working to excel in one of his four varsity sports or in the classroom, SirSaxon LaFluer likes to unwind by watching movies.
The Mexico varsity football senior captain cited “Batman,” as his favorite cinematic franchise — a fitting choice given the way he conducts himself as a quiet yet fearless leader on both sides of the ball.
LaFluer, a two-way lineman referred to by head coach Jon Gagnon as the “unsung hero,” of one of the top rushing attacks in Section III, has helped power the Tigers to a 3-1 overall record and the top spot in their division entering tonight’s Class B-3 game at Camden.
LaFluer is also an honor student and steps in to answer the call for multiple Mexico varsity teams as a rare four-sport athlete. He is also a trusted avenger for the Mexico wrestling, baseball and track and field teams.
“I try to bring my best effort so I can show everyone else how it can be done, and I try to bring a positive attitude,” LaFluer said.
Through three games played — the Tigers were awarded one win by forfeit — LaFluer has tallied three sacks to rank in the top 10 among Section III Class B players.
The third-year varsity starter has developed into one of the most feared edge rushers in the section while also solidifying Mexico’s offensive line as a path-paving guard who can shift outside to play tackle.
“His biggest impact is the leadership that he brings to the table,” Gagnon said. “He’s an ultimate competitor, an ultimate leader. He does everything we ask of him and more. When you mix that with just being fierce and being able to do the things that he does on the field, it’s a coach’s dream to have a kid like that.”
Gagnon said that he gets excited to review the film after games each week, knowing LaFluer will probably find a new way to impress him with his efforts in the trenches.
The second-year head coach and longtime program assistant called LaFluer a “game-plan wrecker,” on defense along with an anchor on offense and in the locker room.
Mexico enters tonight’s game averaging 10.6 yards per carry as a unit, ranking as one of four teams in all of Section III to produce more than 10 yards per rushing attempt.
The Tigers are the only Class B team scoring five-plus rushing touchdowns per game and are averaging 318 yards on the ground for the third-highest mark in their class. Junior running back Caleb Robert has led the way with 50 carries for 569 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, according to the Section III stats website, and is one of four Mexico players with a yards-per-carry mark in the double digits.
LaFluer has been critical to the collective success, setting the tone up front for the ground-and-pound approach.
“On offense, he’s the unsung hero,” Gagnon said. “He’s clearing holes. He’s pancaking people. That’s a kid that, if he keeps this track he’s on, he’s going to be playing on Saturdays next year.”
Gagnon added, “It’s one of those things where, if you need a yard and you run behind him, you’re going to get a yard. He also does a really good job of bringing those younger linemen that needed to step into a starting role this year, he’s done a really good job of mentoring them and getting them going in the right direction.”
LaFluer is equally effective when called upon during the winter and spring seasons.
He will enter his senior wrestling campaign among the top contenders in the 285-pound weight class after compiling a 32-10 record last season with 22 pins. LaFluer finished third at the Class B championships, and he took fifth at the Section III Division II tournament. He has a 63-37 career record across his first three varsity seasons, according to cnywrestling.com.
Last spring, LaFluer contributed 11 hits and 8 runs batted in across 43 at-bats as a regular starter for the Mexico baseball team. He also joined track and field for the first time, capitalizing on the Onondaga High School League’s dual-sport participation opportunity.
LaFluer put his power to work primarily competing in the shot put and discus. He placed second in the shot put at the OHSL Liberty large-school championships with a throw of 38 feet and 9 inches, per the results at athletic.net.
“It was great,” LaFluer said. “It was my first year of track that I’ve ever done, and it was a great start. It was new coaches, new people, and it showed me a new perspective.”
Baseball served as LaFluer’s primary sport last spring, so he prioritized the team’s games and practices while contributing to the track and field squad. If the teams practiced in different time slots, he would attend both sessions. There were also times when LaFluer was excused from baseball practice to attend a track meet.
“I just wanted to try to help out as much as I can, and I know on the track, I was able to help a little bit more, and it felt great,” LaFluer said.
LaFluer also participates in the district’s Spanish Club and is a member of the National English Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
Away from the field, he watches movies in his downtime and has a curiosity for biology. He plans to attend college to study physical therapy and hopes to play football, which remains a favorite among his many endeavors.
“I love the teamwork, honestly,” LaFluer said. “It can’t just be one guy. It’s got to be all 11, and you all got to be tight.”
LaFluer was a key cog as a junior last season when the Tigers rebounded from a 1-8 campaign to finish 8-2 overall and win the Class A/B/C-2 Division playoff championship.
Now, he is aiming to help the Tigers conquer their next challenge with a triumphant return to Section III Class B this fall.
“The main goal is to get to the Dome, but honestly, I just want to see everybody put in 100% effort and see where it takes us,” LaFluer said. “I’ve been here for a while and it’s sad that it’s almost over, but I just got to do everything I can to make it the best it can be.”
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