The Avalon High football team started their season off with a win, as the Lancers battled through heat and cramps to defeat Animo Robinson of Los Angeles, 36-26, on Saturday on the road. It was a good-sized hurdle for a young team as the Lancers had never beaten Animo.
Avalon graduated much of its starting group from last year in which the Lancers reached the CIF-SS eight-man football Division 1 semifinals before losing to the eventual champions, Chadwick School. The heat was a drain on both teams, but Head Coach Nick Morones was impressed with how his team was able to outlast the Monarchs.
“The guys battled through adversity,” Morones said. “It was just a great win, a momentum builder.”
Junior Edwardo Zavala had a big day on defense, recording several tackles and scored a touchdown on offense as a running back. Junior Nathan Jones has taken over as quarterback and gives the Lancers a tough downhill runner, Morones said.
Another junior, Matthew De La Rosa had several pass defenses and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. He should also be a key factor when the Lancers open up their passing game. Morones said he thinks the team will develop a balanced attack with the run and pass games. Defensively, two of the Lancers key players did return. Junior Erik Madriz was an All-CIF selection last year and he provides relentless pressure from the defensive end spot. Senior Manases Rubio also returns to anchor the linebacker corp. But the Lancers won’t have the luxury of taking their time to gel. They have arguably the toughest schedule in Division II.
Their next game will also be on the road and in Riverside, where heat is again expected. The Lancers travel to face California School for the Deaf, which won the CIF-SS Division II Championship last year. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. which will alleviate some of the heat.
