Former Lancers' All-Metro standout Mike Valentine (44) makes a play. Photo courtesy of Michael Marando

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The 1977 Cordova Lancers varsity football team is known in this area for being one of the best teams in the history of the storied football program at Cordova High School.

An undefeated season, a City title and a Section title are some of the top accolades that team compiled during their historic season. That group now has another accolade, as they are being inducted into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame.

Coached by Ron Lancaster, the '77 Lancers were full of talent on both sides of the ball. Running backs Reggie Young and Don Boardingham, fullback Shawn Brady, linemen Mike and Pat Brady, lineman Steve Nickerson and cornerback/running back Darryl Ragland were just a few of the names that helped carry that team to success.

Darryl Ragland (22) and Gary Teague (5) attempt to make a play for the Lancers. Photo courtesy of Michael Marando

As the event nears, memories of that time are flooding back to members of the team. From the 54-35 victory over Mira Loma in the City title game in what many consider to be the greatest game ever played in the area, to the hot summer workouts that were dubbed "Summer School" in preparation for the season, players on that team are reflecting on the time period with fondness. Teague and Nickerson both spoke to the Grapevine Independent to give their thoughts.

“It feels good,” Teague said of being inducted. “It feels nice to be recognized. But also in the same token, it makes you realize that was a long time ago. Hard to believe it's been over 40 years.”

Teague also mentioned he enjoyed his relationship with Lancaster during his time at Cordova. His coach "gave him room to grow" and sought out his opinions as a quarterback, something he recalls when thinking about his experience playing at Cordova.

Nickerson talked about the work he and his teammates put in during that season.

“We didn't lose any games and we worked very hard,” Nickerson said. “We were a tight-knit team with a good group of guys essentially rowing the boat in the same direction.”

Gary Teague tosses a pass to Don Boardingham (42). Photo courtesy of Michael Marando

Both Teague and Nickerson spoke highly about perhaps the most well-known Lancer during that period, being Reggie Young. Young, who tallied 1579 total yards during that '77 season, was a three-year varsity athlete who is referred to as one of the greatest to ever come from Rancho Cordova. He also rushed for a then-section playoff record 291 yards and four touchdowns in the Section title game that year. Young unfortunately has since passed away but will always be remembered for his contributions to Cordova football.

The Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame ceremony is being held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Rancho Cordova City Hall. Tickets to the event can be purchased online for $30 at https://form.jotform.com/cordovacouncil/rcaa-reception-tickets-2024.