Big Red is Back and Bigger than Ever!

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Hello Cordova football fans, it’s time for Friday night lights at Lancer Stadium, as the 2022 season officially gets under way.

Alongside the Cordova cheer squad, band leader Kevin Sims is tuning up his Cordova Marching Band and Mama Vaughan is stocking the snack bar. The players have been conditioning hard during the offseason and have all been given their uniforms and pads in anticipation of participating in the “Big Red” tradition. That tradition started in 1963 and to this day is still talked about with pride and reverence.

After the head coach resigned just before the 4th of July Parade, in which the team and coaches proudly participate in each year, the Lancers are now ready to hit the turf running. This year’s Cordova coaching staff consists completely of Cordova Lancer alumni. Newly appointed interim head coach Kyle Williams (Class of 2005) is ready to follow in the footsteps of his former coach, National High School Coaches Hall of Fame inductee Max Miller, and take up the slack of a program that has been continuously challenged.

“I’m excited about this upcoming season,” Williams said. “My boys have worked extremely hard, and I believe they have what it takes to win not only on the field but also in the classroom.”

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Joining Coach Williams on the sidelines and returning from last year is defensive coordinator Michael Brennon. Coach Brennon played football at Sacramento State and overseas after graduating from Cordova in 2004. The new offensive coordinator, Ron Kerkus, dates a little further into Lancer lore. Kerkus graduated in 1966 and was coached by the legendary Dewey Guerra, who led the Lancers to 10 consecutive championships.

In 2003, Kerkus was Williams’ junior varsity coach when he was a sophomore at Cordova.

“We have great knowledgeable coaches who are passionate about the game, but more importantly, care about (our) student-athletes and the Rancho Cordova community,” Williams said. “I believe a good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life and that’s what I’m here to do.”

On Friday, August 12, Big Red competed in a six-team scrimmage held at Rio Linda High School. The other participating schools were Rio Linda, San Juan, Western Sierra, Wheatland and Vanden. Each school ran a 10-minute running clock against each other’s offense and defense.

Cordova played extraordinarily well considering it was their first full contact scrimmage against other teams. They scored several times on running plays, completed timely passes, had a couple of nice interceptions, a few fumble recoveries and many defensive stops. All in all, they looked sharp, focused and ready to compete. 

Coach Williams is extremely thankful for two very gifted returning seniors. One being last year’s star running back and this year’s quarterback, Kevin Lewis. The other senior is offensive and defensive lineman, Angel Rivera.

Another gifted player that will certainly play a key role in a successful season is junior wide receiver and defensive end Michael Brown, better known as “Big Mike.” Look for Brown to be a consistent passing target for Lewis. 

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This year’s offensive line is bigger than it has been in a while and should provide that extra time needed to properly get off a successful run or pass play. Joining Rivera on the offensive and defensive line is a talented sophomore, Orlando Gomez. Another player that may make his presence felt on the offensive and defensive line is first-year player, junior Solomon Albero, who told the Grapevine Independent that he loved playing in his first-ever scrimmage.

I invite all of you to “love it” as well and come out to Lancer Stadium to cheer for your team. This year’s home games are August 19 vs. Bella Vista, September 9 vs. Rosemont (Jr. Lancer Night), September 30 vs. Foothill (Homecoming), October 14 vs. Valley (Staff Appreciation Night) and October 28 vs. Florin (Senior Night). All games start at 7:15 p.m. with the J.V. game starting at 5 p.m.

GO BIG RED!