The Avalon Lancers football team has a mindset that has not been seen for a long time within the program. After having a rough season in 2017 the team took their offseason and tirelessly worked on improving not just the knowledge of the game but their skills. With a team that is already loaded with talent, their goal is to not just be a good team but a great team and to get back to the Lancer football of old. Senior Cristo Hernandez and Sophomores Jose Gomez and Beto Martinez are the three team captains that have worked hard to push this mentality.
More than half of the roster is made up of returning players and experience will be in this teams favor. Cristo Hernandez, Jose Gomez, Beto Martinez, Jason Campos, Diego Rios, Jose Silva, DeAngelo Reyes, Ulises Zavala, Angel Hernandez, Jesus Martinez, Antonio Ramos and Pablo Chavolla are some of those returners who will be a force to reckon with. The team has also made some strong additions like Calvin Rios, Jacob Morales and Anthony Cervantes who all possess a high level of grit and talent.
This year’s offense will be led by sophomore QB Jose Gomez. Gomez comes in as the second year QB but with a veteran feel. The defense is led by senior Cristo Hernandez who just like in years past will be in a position that is a force to stop.
The teams coaching staff is led by returning head coach and defensive coordinator Michael Forcella, assistant coach Andrew Hobbs, offensive coordinator Ruben Segura, skills coaches Enrique Dominguez and Dave Zeller and lineman coach Jeff Hernandez.
As stated by senior captain Cristo Hernandez, “bigger and better things are coming this year” and that is what this team is focused on.
This seasons home opener will be against the Desert Christian Lancaster Knights on Aug. 31 up at Joe Machado field with kickoff at 5 p.m.
Schedule for 2018
Opponent
• 8/31—5 p.m.
Desert Christian (Lancaster)
Location: Avalon High School
• 9/7—3 p.m. at Rolling Hills Prep (San Pedro)
Location: Rolling Hills Prep
Rivalry Game
• 9/15—noon
• Brethren Christian (Huntington Beach)
Location: Brethren Christian High School
• 9/21—5 p.m.
Hillcrest Christian (Thousand Oaks, CA)
Game Details: Travel details pending
• 9/28—5 p.m.
Sage Hill (Newport Beach)
Location: Avalon High School
• 10/6—7 p.m.
Academy of Careers & Exploration (Helendale)
Location: Academy of Careers & Exploration
• 10/12—5 p.m.
St. Michael’s Prep (Silverado)
Location: Avalon High School
• 10/20—11 a.m.
Calvary Chapel (Downey)
Location: Calvary Chapel High School
10/26 5 p.m.
Lutheran (La Verne)
