RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Football players aren't the only ones looking forward to the upcoming Friday night lights.

The Cordova Lancers’ varsity cheerleading squad have been keeping themselves busy throughout the summer in preparation for the fast-approaching school year, and are looking forward to cheering on the Lancers’ football program as well as basketball programs in the coming months. Whether it be practices throughout the summer or participating in the Rancho Cordova 4th of July parade at Hagan Community Park, the girls have been hard at work and will be ready to go just like everyone else the second the football kicks off to open the Lancers’ football season on Friday, August 23.

“They're ready,” Cordova varsity cheerleading coach Angelica Knox said. “They're getting cheers down, they're getting excited. They're getting their uniforms and just can't wait for the season to start.”

This season’s bunch is comprised of 18 girls, including five newcomers to the team. The team will feature two captains in senior Kylie Chang and junior Katie Ritchie.

“They show leadership and work really hard,” Knox said of her two varsity captains. “You can see their dedication to the squad and that they're go-getters. They excite others and get everyone to work together as well.”

For Knox, being the coach of Cordova Cheer is near and dear to her heart, as she is a former Lancers’ cheerleader and a cheer mom. As an alumna of the school, Knox feels it is important to carry on the traditions that the cheerleading team is known for within the halls of the school.

Although the cheer and football seasons won't officially kick off for another couple of weeks, the cheerleading team is encouraging everyone to attend the Lancers’ annual football scrimmage and "Meet The Lancers" event this Saturday at Cordova High School, with practice spanning from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and the black and red scrimmage starting at 10:00 a.m.