Junior Cohen Chounlabout runs a kickoff back against Destiny Christian Academy.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Following a 55-0 loss at home against Destiny Christian Academy on Friday, Oct. 30 inside Lancer Stadium, the Cordova Lancers have shifted their focus towards their upcoming season finale this week in a game that will still keep plenty of meaning for the players in the Big Red locker room. 

Against Destiny Christian (9-0 overall, 4-0 Metro League), things got out of hand in a hurry as the Lions jumped ahead 28-0 after a first quarter barrage. Things snowballed from there as the Lancers (4-5 overall, 0-4 Metro League) entered halftime trailing by six scores on one of those nights where nothing could seemingly go right for the home team. When the dust was settled, the Lions finished with five rushing scores, two through the air, and one 75-yard special teams punt return touchdown to secure the lopsided victory. 

Senior running back Gino David has a wall of blockers in front of him for a run up the middle against Destiny Christian Academy.

For the Lions, junior quarterback Austin Pierce finished an efficient 10-of-11 passing for 146 yards. On the ground, junior tailback Benjamin Arthur racked up an impressive eight carries for 171 yards and three rushing scores. The Lancers meanwhile were only able to muster 107 yards of total offense against their tough area rival. Defensively, senior Masiyah Mejia tallied nine total tackles to lead Cordova, and senior do-it-all athlete Troy Simmons registered a sack. 

Cordova quickly turned the page and now looks ahead to their final game of the season this Friday at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento against McClatchy (4-5 overall, 0-4 Metro League). Although the game does not have any postseason implications for either team, it will certainly mean a lot to a core group of Lancers who have been integral pieces of the football program for multiple seasons. 

The game will have significance for every senior on the roster who will be playing in their final high school football game, but for seniors Trey Wallace, Terryn “TK” King and Zachary McIntire, it might mean just a little more. Both King and McIntire saw action on varsity as freshmen, then became key contributors on both sides of the ball the past three seasons.

Senior linebacker Masiyah Mejia (No.54) pulls down the Destiny Christian Academy ballcarrier from behind.

King has been a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver and quarterback offensively, as well as at cornerback on defense. McIntire has been a bruising ball carrier for the Lancers’ offense and played where needed on the other side of the ball. Wallace meanwhile has been the offensive spark for Cordova since his sophomore year as a dual-threat player who has spent time at both quarterback and running back, and this season expressed his desire to contribute more on the defensive side of the ball as well.

The trio has been a big part of the backbone of Cordova football and will be playing their final snaps in Big Red colors this week. 

Friends, family and supporters are encouraged to attend the game at Hughes Stadium this Friday night, with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Head Coach JP Dolliver talks to his offensive unit during a timeout against Destiny Christian Academy.