2008 Season Preview
The Lancers enter the 2008 campaign with high expectations while facing a daunting gauntlet of tough opponents. Projected to be one of the elite teams on the West Coast, Fresno Bullard presents a formidable challenge on opening night. A revamped and reamped traditional power, Bishop Amat, visits the Lancers the following week. The Big Red then goes on the road to face one of the fastest and most athletic teams in Orange County, Tustin High School. Inland Empire power J.W. North brings a ton of talent to OCC in week 4. The final non-league contest pits the Lancers against a long-time big name from the L.A. City Section, Banning (Wilmington).
Trinity League play opens with OLu traveling to playa vastly improved JSerra squad. An excellent St. John Bosco team is up next, followed by the Lancers hosting a superb Servite club at Cal State Fullerton. Week 9 finds the Big Red playing host to the always formidable Santa Margarita. The regular season finale pits the Lancers against the mighty Monarchs of Mater Dei at the Santa Ana Bowl. Every week in league play has the air of a play-off clash!
Offense
QB Bobby Wheatley hands off to TB Exavier Edwards
The offensive line is led by returning starters Moses Peralta, Aaron Prindle, and Preston Pemasa. Bolstering that outstanding trio are some gifted, tough athletes with varsity experience such as Matt Culp, D.J. Brandel, Kapono Asuega, Matt Cone, and Sean McEvilly. Juniors Robert Nenandal, Cullen Bonham, Andrew Morner, Tony Webster, and Nikolai Andersen will compete for playing time. Tyler Vernick and sophomore Jay Weneta round out this quality group.
On the perimeter, senior West Point commit Scotty Williams leads this group which features playmakers Gabe Lemon, Shawn Rohr, Brandon Turner, Terrence Brown, Justin Klinkenberg, Randy Woods, and Garett Lieber. Seniors Kyle McMillian, Greg Alcantra, Isiah Huss, Seth Press, Rex Redjai, and Anthony Tellez provide experienced depth.
In the backfield, fullback is a highly competitive position with seniors Kent Fleager and Chris Mason, and junior Donyae Fields battling for playing time. At tailback, Exavier Edwards, Kyle Dravis, Damani Wilson, Garret Gilliland and Jake Hanson headline this gifted group.
At tight end, senior Shane Sullivan and newcomer Sam Weber spearhead this position. They will compete with Zach Doddridge and sophomores Lorenzo Devers, Matt Truckey, and Steven Springer.
At QB, juniors Bobby Wheatley and Ryan Orozco have enjoyed the benefits of intense competition throughout the summer which has accelerated both of their growth. Sophomores Mike Markovsky, Phil Taylor and Danny Happ are developing very well.
Defense
DB Scotty Williams makes a tackle
The Lancers will feature a fairly quick, athletic, and aggressive defense. Up front, returning starters Mike Arakelian, Kapono Asuega, and Aaron Prindle will be joined by Sean McEvilly, Matt Culp, Matt Cone, Josh Williams, and Christian Licciardi among others.
At linebacker, returning starters Jeremiah Pemasa and Garret Gilliland will be surrounded by gifted veterans like Wingate Wong, Luke Fields, Chris Mason, and Kent Fleager. Newcomers Donyae Fields, Chance Baker, and Lorenzo Devers have shown strong ability as well. Sam Weber, out for football the first time, has been impressive also along with junior Blake Hugaert.
In the secondary, Terrence Brown, Kyle Dravis, Davonte Anderson, and Garett Lieber have been joined by outstanding Gabe Lemon. Senior Matt Carona will contribute with his talent, leadership, and toughness. Isiah Huss and Damani Wilson are quality cornerbacks as is Randy Woods. Juniors Shawn Rohr and Brandon Turner are two of the Lancers most gifted athletes and compete very well at safety. Sophomore Will Gonzales has been a very pleasant surprise in his ability to play CB.
Special Teams
Kickers/punters Parker Flynn and Stephen Shaw have been impressive this summer, earning the confidence of their teammates and coaches. Long snappers Josh Williams, Blake Hugaert, and Jay Weneta give the Lancers three excellent athletes.