RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The old adage: “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game,” is the main focus during the non-league competition. This competition is designed to prepare the team for league play, which doesn’t start until October 1st at home against Natomas. This is the time when most of the fine tuning takes place that gets a team where they need to be during league play and possibly a post season game or two.

With two non-league away games in the books and one game cancelled due to Covid protocols, the Bid Red Cordova Lancers get ready for two home games against Highland on September 10th and Laguna Creek on September 17th.  So far from my viewpoint, which is on the sidelines amongst the coaches and the players, it seems the Lancers definitely have the talent but just seem to be struggling on their execution. This struggle goes both ways, as the coaches are also fine tuning their skills calling the plays and keeping the players engaged during a lopsided scoring game.

In the two games against Rosemont and El Camino the Lancers were very successful in moving the ball on offense and making big stops on defense. What was frustrating to all were the unfortunate turnovers and penalties that stopped a nice drive or gave the opponent a better advantage. Tristin Hall against Rosemont and Marcos Medina-Haro and Dylan Gray against El Camino contributed the three big offensive plays for touchdowns. All three receivers also play on defense.  Both quarterbacks Jalen Thomas and Jayden Washington have been doing their best with limited time in the pocket.  Running backs/linebackers Dominic Stephens and Robert Salcedo have made some big plays and Lucas Halcomb has come up with some big stops at defensive tackle.

Both coaches and players are optimistic that the team will reach the plateau they need to be at to have a successful season.  Right now it just seems they have a long trek ahead of them before the peak comes into view, but at least they are heading in the right direction.

Come out and cheer your Big Red Cordova Lancers at Lancer Stadium on September 17 (Teacher’s Night), October 1 (Homecoming) and October 15 (Senior Night). All games start at 7:15 pm with Junior Varsity game starting at 5:00 pm.