The game went as Head Coach Nick Morones had expected. He felt like Sage Hill would battle early, but he figured the Lancers would be able to gain control. It was a fairly accurate prediction as the Lancers eventually pulled away for a 63-26 win in the CIF-SS Eight-Man Div. 1 playoff opener.
The Lancers might be peaking at the right time and the way they are playing now, has Morones feeling like they can wear teams down and put points on the board.
“It’s going to be tough to beat us for all four quarters,” Morones said.
Against Sage Hill, the Lancers were able to sustain pressure on their offense and forced several turnovers that helped give the offense and edge. Manases Rubio was key on defense with pressure and a couple of sacks to spark the defense.
On offense, Morones said that the execution was steady and the communication between the players kept them rolling. Now the Lancers get a second shot at the only team to defeat them this year. On Oct. 6, the Lancers traveled to Palos Verdes, where they fell to Chadwick 38-22, when the Dolphins scored two late touchdowns to break a 22-22 tie.
But the Lancers will be at home this time. Having faced the Dolphins and played a close game for three quarters, Morones being at home this time should offer the Lancers an edge. He also likes the way the defense and special teams have picked up steam the past 2-3 weeks.
“We’re a lot more confident,” Morones said.
Chadwick defeated Santa Clarita, 43-14 in their first-round game and were moved up to the No. 1 ranking in the MaxPreps state poll. After their first-round win, the Lancers were bumped up three spots to No. 2. The winner advances to the championship game on Nov. 17.
