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LaGrange’s Davis Knight is a star for the boys soccer team. After a junior year that saw him explode onto the scene with 26 goals and 22 assists, Knight has picked up right where he left off as the talisman for the Grangers.

“I want to set a good example for LaGrange, and the younger guys on our team,” Knight said. “It feels good to score, but its more important for the team.”

He has already racked up seven goals and two assists in just six games played this season. His most impressive performance so far this season came in the Grangers lone win against Northside in which Knight scored a hat-trick and provided an assist.

Despite starting 1-5, Knight has remained optimistic and continues to thrive even when the team around him falters.

“We have played a really tough schedule so far against some of the top teams in the state,” Knight said. “I feel like playing this team will help us prepare for the important games towards the end of the season.”

The production has been consistent with where it was a year ago, but Knight has had to step into bigger shoes this season. The Grangers lost a ton of quality players to graduation last year, and Knight has to deal with more eyes on him than ever.

“Last year, he had a great season, but nobody really knew who he was,” LaGrange coach Shane Pulliam said. “Now, everybody knows who he is, so we’ll see if he can handle the pressure of everybody now worrying about him.”

“We lost a lot of our main players from last year,” Knight said. “It’s been tough at times trying to fill their roles.”

Knight commands the attention of opponents but also commands the attention of his teammates. As a senior this year, Knight has had to step up and be a leader for the team in ways he did not have to in the past.

“I am more of a lead by example type, but if somebody is not in the right position I will say something,” Knight said. “I feel more comfortable with the ball, and I feel more comfortable as a leader for this team.”

Knight’s sterling high school career is still ongoing, but he is already signed to play at the next level. To play college soccer has been a lifelong dream for Knight and to play at a school like Piedmont University made all the sense in the world to him.

“It was a lot of work, sending out messages and trying to get coaches attention,” Knight said. “I love Piedmont’s atmosphere and how nice the coaches were. We made a connection, which can be hard to do in recruiting.” 

While he is looking forward to his next opportunity, he is not overlooking the one that is right in front of him. Knight was named a preseason all-state player and plans to live up to the moniker. 

“It was really exciting when I heard,” Knight said. “It was a surprise, but I think I can prove I’m worth it.”

One of the reasons he was able to garner such an accolade was his high level play in the club soccer season. He joined Concorde Fire and really elevated his game in the LaGrange High offseason.

“Speedwise it is so much faster (than high school soccer),” Knight said. “It takes more commitment. It really shows who the kids are that really want to keep going with soccer.”

Knight is going to keep going with soccer until his chances with the sport are spent. For now, he will be suiting up in the blue and white of the Grangers for one final run.