Princeton coach Ryan Pearson has a nickname for Tigers senior quarterback Gavin Lanham.

“We call him, ‘Cool Hand Luke,’” Pearson said in reference to Paul Newman’s 1967 movie character. “Nothing seems to faze him. There’s not a moment that’s too big for this kid. That’s what I love about him. Just the quiet confidence from him really [has an effect on] the other 10 guys in the huddle.”

That’s just the way he is, Lanham said.

“It keeps me more relaxed. Just kind of makes it easier,” he said.

“We call him, ' Cool Hand Luke.’ Nothing seems to faze him.” — Ryan Pearson, Princeton coach

Lanham was cool under fire when he was pressed into action for last year’s Class 3A quarterfinal game with Montini Catholic when starting quarterback Will Lott went down with a broken foot the week befo

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