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INTs leader Mekhi LaPointe down, but not out for this season

 
Armwood senior Mekhi LaPointe led the state a season ago with 10 interceptions.
Armwood senior Mekhi LaPointe led the state a season ago with 10 interceptions.
Published Aug. 25, 2016

Can't keep a good Hawk down for long

Armwood's usually stingy defense went through some turnover this offseason.

Graduation took its toll with the Hawks having to replace their top three leading tacklers.

One of the holdovers they counted on was senior Mekhi LaPointe, a ball-hawking safety who led the state last season with 10 interceptions.

But LaPointe has been reduced to a spectator, sidelined the first half of the season after tearing his meniscus this summer.

Being off the field, away from the action, took some getting used to.

"Learned how much I love the sport," LaPointe said. "You appreciate it a lot more when you have it temporarily taken away."

He still is at practice, mentoring teammates. His grades are solid and his football future is secure after committing to USF earlier this month.

And LaPointe (6-2, 180) said he will still be as hyped for the season to start tonight.

"I'll be jumping up and down just like the rest of my teammates," he said.

LaPointe's leadership skills are invaluable. He calls the defensive plays and is a sure tackler as much as he is sure-handed.

Not all is lost. LaPointe is expected to return by midseason.

Armwood, which has won 31 straight regular-season games, is favored to reach the Class 6A state title game for the fourth season in a row. If that happens, LaPointe will likely still play in 10 games.

"That's the good thing about playing for a state title contender," LaPointe said.

"I could still play enough to get in almost a full season. That would help me come close to reaching my interception total from last season."