Staff Report
After graduating eight seniors, the Avalon High football team figured it was in for a few growing pains as young players step into new roles. However, the Lancers have also dealt with a few real pains, with injuries adding new challenges.
But after a three-game losing streak, the Lancers have won two of their last three games, with their loss coming in a close 14-3 matchup with an always tough Chadwick School team. Now, with one game left in the regular season, the Lancers have a legitimate shot at earning a playoff spot.
They do have a challenge against a Faith Baptist team that comes into the game with a 7-1 record. But the Lancers are coming off a solid 34-16 win over Fresno Christian, a game in which Owen Chavoya was put in as quarterback for the first time this season. The Lancers have had four different players at quarterback, but despite it being his first time, Chavoya led the offense like a veteran, according to Head Coach Nick Marones.
Chavoya even had a rushing touchdown of his own. Matthew De La Rosa caught a touchdown pass and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Manases rubio also had a receiving touchdown and Eduardo Zavala had rushing touchdown. Even with the loss to Chadwick, the Lancers have outscored their past three opponents, 59-44, overall.
Aaron Rubio and Issac Rivas helped keep the ball moving with a grinding run game. The pair of backs had approximately 200 yards rushing between the two of them. The defense has come on strong with Nate Villagra leading a menacing pass rush. In the win over Fresno, Chris Gonzales and Santiago Noriz each had an interception. Noriz, just a freshman, has become an integral part of the defense this year.
The Lancers (3-4) are still ranked No. 6 in the MaxPreps eight-man rankings for the CIF-Southern Section. A win over Faith Baptist would get the Lancers back to .500 and significantly increase their chances of earning a playoff berth. Faith Baptist is coming off its only loss of the season, a 39-32 loss to Santa Clarita Christian, the team the Lancers beat three weeks ago.
The Lancers and Contenders are scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Machado Field.
