By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
In my 30-plus years of following, scouting and covering high school football in Louisiana, I’ve never seen a quarterback from C.E. Byrd High School start a state championship game as a sophomore and then play a junior season for the Yellow Jackets looking all the while like he was a senior in complete command of the team and its offense.
Until now. In my eyes, Lake Lambert is one of the top quarterbacks, not only locally, but also statewide in Louisiana’s Class of 2023.
I was very impressed, both with his calm demeanor under center and with his ability as a runner. When he did throw it, which happened more frequently last season than the one before, Lambert ran the offense smoothly and seemed to do everything perfectly.
I believe he can sign with the right college that fits his skill set and Lambert could emerge as a star as a dual-threat QB. He already does everything really well and with time in college will only get better.
Lambert reminds me of a former Baton Rouge QB from Christian Life High School, Stefon Leflors, who had great talent but was 6-1, 185 as a senior.
Recruiters overlooked him because they apparently believed he was either too small or thought he was a system QB. Mistake. Leflors walked on at Louisville and not only started but became an all-conference quarterback and a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm finalist before a brief career in the NFL and the CFL.
Lambert will have a choice to make when scholarship options land on the table, because along with being a great football prospect, Lambert is also a very good baseball player.
The youngest of three sons, he’s faced harsh reality as he lost his father almost exactly a year ago. Brian Lambert, who was a punter at ULM, passed away after a brief illness. Lake switched his jersey number from 14 to 12 prior to last season to honor his dad.
His mother, Michelle, has enjoyed seeing all three sons play for Byrd. Brock, the middle son, graduated in 2021 after starting at shortstop on the Yellow Jackets’ state runner-up squad. He is currently playing at Panola (Texas) Junior College. Garrett, the oldest son, graduated in 2018 after playing football and baseball.
“I’ve played baseball since I was 4. This is my third year on varsity,” said Lake, who is the starting catcher, a first-team All District 1-5A pick who led the Yellow Jackets in hits and RBIs.
Wearing the Byrd purple and gold just means more to Lambert.
“I’ve always been a big LSU fan. They’re my favorite because of the games I went to watch growing up as a kid,” he said.
His football coach at Byrd, Stacy Ballew, admires Lambert’s moxie.
“Lake is a fierce competitor in everything he does. He stepped in as a sophomore and led us to the state championship game, and last year he came back from an injury and led us to the district championship. The rest of the team feeds off of his competitive spirit and leadership. They know that as long as No. 12 is behind center, we have a chance to win.”
NOTES ON LAKE LAMBERT: Lake is 6-3, 195, up from 6-2, 185 in 2021. He has 20 career wins as the starting QB in two years. Lambert carries a 3.0 GPA and has a 22 ACT. At QB for the Yellow Jackets, he has 775 career rushing yards, and an impressive 5.0 yards per carry (153 carries). He has completed 41 of 85 passes for 734 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception. That is rather impressive, because he operates in a multiple option offense where the running game is the focus.
