Football Awards Banquet

Save the date: Monday, December 14th is our fall sports awards banquet! We will meet in the sanctuary at 6:30 pm and then move to Thompson Hall at 7:20 pm for our football family dinner! The cost is $10 per plate. Players' meals are free. Payment can be made to Janet Walton in the high school accounting office. Please make your RSVP and payment by Wednesday, December 9th so we can plan successfully! Thank you and see you there!

Important Football News!

Total team effort!

Danny Munson from dmunsonphoto took pictures of our athletes at last Friday's game. Please go to his website at dmunsonphoto.com to view and purchase pictures of your player. Thank you Danny for providing us with these memories, and thank you Patty Hillis for coordinating the pictures!

Tonight is our Athletics Booster Meeting at 7 pm, upstairs in the Burton Building at the high school campus. Please join us!

Mark your calendars for our award banquet, Monday, December 14th. More details to follow...

I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!!!

As I prayerfully reflected on how to conclude this season's last game blog with honesty and integrity, God very clearly told me what He wanted to write. For our young men this season, God gave me 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith! I stand amazed at the faithfulness of our God and the commitment and determination of our young men who in facing limited resources, numerous challenges, and serious injuries, fought the good fight, finished the season, and kept their faith! Last Friday was no different! Whether it be Brian McGinnis' amazing sack, Juan Carlos' brilliant onside kick recovery, Miguel Campero's awesome catch, Cody Hillis' 30 yard and more run, Mike Mendoza's perseverance, Tyler French's relentless determination with cast and all, Jacob Urrutia's "mile-high" punts, Masis Torosyan's on-target kicks, Blake Bader's punt-return leveling hit (nice one Blake!), Jacob Baltierra's trail-blazing pursuit of the goal line, Andrew Sutton's punishing pursuit on defense, Nick Virgen's parting of the sea of defenders with football in hand (the "Bus" would be proud), Michael Pannosian's defense of Lancer territory, Jeremiah Curley's "sweet" offensive consistency, Allen Zheng's first play, Luke Snyder's sacrifice, the committed coaching and total team attack, and the spirited sideline support from all of the Fighting Lancers (way to go Sang Ha and Christian!), these young men in the thick of the battle stood side by side as they relentlessly pursued their opponent with sheer determination and strength, sportsmanship, and integrity. Sometimes life's greatest teachers are our youth! Way to go young men! Way to go!

I congratulate you on your committment, relentless pursuit, and visible example of excellence! As this season concludes, I leave you with this charge from your God: Write those things I say to you. Hold back nothing of all I shall say to you. For I shall speak to you in the darkness and shall make your way a path of light. I will cry to you out of the confusion round about, and you shall hear My voice and shall know that which I do. Look to Me, and I will be your beacon in the night, and you will not stumble over the hidden things. You will walk in a way of victory though turmoil is on either hand, even as Israel marched through the Red Sea on a path My hand hewed out for them (Daily Moments in His Presence).

For His Glory,

Christine Urrutia

Senior Recognition Game and Football Events

This Friday's game (Nov. 13th) against St. Monica is our Senior Recognition Game at our Covina campus. Parents are asked to be at the Lancer field by 6:30 p.m. for senior recognition activities. This Friday is also our last Pregame Food and Fellowship beginning at 3:30 p.m. Lorraine Baltierra has some fun games planned! Bring your own BBQ and food, and join us for a great time as we conclude this year's football season. Please no alcohol! A Postgame Lancer Bonfire with smores and hot chocolate will conclude the evenings' celebrations!

The Booster Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 10th, has been postponed due to the Lady Lancers' Volleyball Playoffs. Please support our Lady Lancers in their home gym tomorrow for the first round of playoffs! The Booster Meeting will be held on Monday, November 16th at 7 p.m. upstairs in the Burton Building. We are asking for football parents to arrive by 5 p.m. on Monday to help with football's turn in sorting items for the Boosters Yard Sale. Please stay for the Booster meeting as we need your feedback! Also, Boosters will need a tremendous amount of help for the yard sale on Friday, November 20th, and Saturday, November 21st.

This season's Football Awards Banquet will be held on Monday, December 14th. Please mark your calendars! More details to follow...

Letter From A Football Parent

Dear Lancer Parents,

My name is Teresa Bermudez, and I am Nick Virgen’s mom. I just wanted to take the time to thank ALL the Lancer parents, kids, coaches, and coaches’ wives. You have made us feel so welcomed. Nick has been playing football for as long as I can remember. We played at UCS beginning in 6th grade (and I say "we" because all you football moms and dads KNOW that this is a family commitment) and before that we played at Pop Warner. In all the years playing, I can honestly say that this year, we have felt more part of the "family" than we ever did before. We were a little nervous at first, being the only tranfers from UCS on the team, but that was dealt with on Nick’s very first day of practice. All the boys were kind, and very welcoming. The coaches made sure Nick was part of the team right from the get-go. Some of the boys and parents went out of their way to make sure that Nick could attend practices, and beach trips when I couldn’t get him there. Nick has made some very special friends, and I have DEFINITELY been blessed by the moms on the team. They have reminded me that we are all here to help each other. I also want to say how proud I am of our boys. In all the years we have been playing, I can honestly say that this is the most special group of boys that we have had the privilege of playing with. Their record does not in any way reflect the accomplishments of this team. I have never seen them have attitudes on the sideline, nor have I ever seen them give up. These boys give it 100% til the very end. They play with integrity, and they are VERY good sports. Considering the number of boys we began with, and the number of injuries we have had, I would say that these boys are definitely champions, and they always demonstrate winning attitudes. We have been blessed that Nick gets to end his high school football career on such a special team with such special people.

Many thanks.

Perseverance Takes Flight!

In yet another battle of sheer determination and perseverance, the Fighting Lancers left everything they had on the battlefield last Friday night! The Fighting Lancers' game against Aquinas can best be depicted by Romans 5:3-5 which states, "...we also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint... Although the scoreboard proved disappointing for the Fighting Lancers with a final score of 34-7, their brilliant display of perseverance and character did not disappoint! Despite the adversity and continued challenges faced by this football team, they again gave everything they had. In a great team effort, the true patriots of perseverance put on a show that even the scoreboard or Aquinas could not match! Whether it was the leaping and relentless pursuit of the opponent by senior Cody Hillis, the airborne grab by Junior Miguel Campero, or the flying tackles of the defense, perseverance took flight as the Lancers put up an awesome fight on Friday night!

Game Time for Aquinas

Please note that this Friday's game against Aquinas begins at 7:30 p.m.

This Week's Football News

The Fighting Lancers are gearing up for their game this Friday at Aquinas High School in San Bernardino. Game time is 7 p.m. Directions to the game from the Upland campus are as follows: take the 10 Fwy East to the 15 Fwy North to the 210 Fwy East and take the Del Rosa exit. Turn left on Del Rosa and make a quick right onto Date St. Aquinas High School is on the corner of Date St. and Sterling Ave., 2772 Sterling Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404-3499. Let's show our support and pack the stadium with Lancer fans!

Tuesday, November 3rd is a drop off/work day for the Athletic Booster Club's yard sale. Please join us from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Upland campus to help make the yard sale a success. We need strong muscles for carrying and lifting, people who can organize and sort, etc. The Lancer football family is encouraged to come out tomorrow night and help support our Athletic Booster Club.

Tuesday, November 10th is our next Booster Club Meeting starting at 7 p.m. upstairs in the Burton Building. We need your support! Ideas, suggestions, and constructive feedback are always welcome! Please join us next Tuesday evening.

The Fighting Lancers Senior Game is at home on November 13th. Seniors and their parents will be honored at this game. Please arrive by 6:30 p.m. and wear your son's letterman jacket, jersey, or Lancer attire in honor of your player! Pregame activities will begin at 3:30 p.m. Bring your own food or BBQ and join us for some food, fun, and fellowship before the game. Please absolutely no alcohol! Postgame activities include this season's last Lancer bonfire, hot chocolate, and smores!

GO FIGHTING LANCERS!

In Hot Pursuit!

In yet another display of fierce determination, the Fighting Lancers relentlessly pursued their opponent last Friday night at Verdugo Hills. Feeling the continued pressure from the Lancer defense and with seniors Luke Snyder and Jacob Urrutia in hot pursuit, Verdugo Hills' quarterback was forced to throw the ball early, resulting in at least two interceptions caught that evening by junior Andrew Sutton. Despite Verdugo Hills' turnovers, victory still aluded the Fighting Lancers. Sophomore quarterback Mike Mendoza connected to senior Jeremiah Curley, junior Masis Torosyan, and sophomore Jacob Baltierra in a fierce fourth quarter passing battle bringing the Fighting Lancers to within five points of their opponent. In a great display of offensive football, somehow the yellow penalty flag again found its way on the field to erase one of the Lancers well-earned touchdowns. Undoubtedly frustrated, the Fighting Lancers never gave up! Despite a final score of 26-15, the Verdugo Hills announcer aptly described the Fighting Lancers' effort when he exclaimed, "There is not an ounce of quit in these guys (the Fighting Lancers)!"

Upcoming Events For Lancer Football

Mark your calendars for exciting activities at our last home game on Friday, November 13th. This is our senior recognition game where we recognize our senior players and their parents! We will be having pregame food and fellowship starting at 3:30 p.m. Senior players and parents will be recognized before the game so please arrive at the field by 6:30 p.m. After the game we will be having another Lancer Bonfire with smores and hot chocolate! Go Fighting Lancers!

Mother's Football Tea

Last Saturday, football moms enjoyed a very special treat! Hostess Kadie Kirkpatrick and the coaches' wives turned WC's quad area into a beautifully decorated Mother's tea. Football moms enjoyed a wonderful time of fun and fellowship with the coaches' wives, their sons, and each other. From the decor of beautiful fall colors and pumpkin flower arrangements, to the football trivia game, to the delicious food, to the wonderful company and many personal touches, including players serving their moms and a personal thank you note from each player to their mom, the football moms were truly blessed! Thank you!!!

WC Fighting Lancers Play Hard and Finish Strong!

After a tough game against the OC Knights last Friday, the scoreboard failed to tell the whole story. The scoreboard merely read, "Home 18, Visitor 42." While victory for the WC Lancers would not be on the scoreboard Friday night, victory was clearly visible in the character, perseverance, determination, and strength of some of the toughest Lancer football players ever to play for the Fighting Lancers! With the help of the Lancer offensive line, Nick Virgen plowed through OC's defense to carry the football over the goal line for one of the Fighting Lancer's touchdowns. WC's defense wanted in on the action and would not be denied as Masis Torosyan rocked OC's offense with not one but two interceptions! The Fighting Lancers determination resulted in some tough injuries. Battered but never broken, the victory cries of "Play Hard!" and "Finish Strong!" echoed on the Lancer sideline, in the huddle, and on the field! Despite OC's strategy to doubleteam and blocks to the back, and in spite of the numbers and injuries, EVERY Fighting Lancer fought hard to the very end! A tough loss? Yes! An amazing victory of determination and perseverance? Absolutely Yes!

The Fighting Lancers are gearing up for this Friday's battle against Verdugo Hills. Game time starts at 7 p.m. at Verdugo Hills High School. Directions to the game from the Upland campus are: Exit the parking lot and head west to Mountain Ave., go North on Mountain to the 210 Freeway. Enter the 210 Freeway and head west. Exit on Lowell Ave/Tujunga, merge onto Honolulu Ave, turn right at Lowell Ave, turn left at Foothill Blvd., turn right at Plainview Ave. Verdugo Hills High School is located at 10625 Plainview Ave., Tujunga, CA 91042-1798. (Approx 45 minutes without traffic).

Season update

Lancer Football Family
I know that there is some frustration about our record thusfar, belive me we feel it too. We just hold on to our #1 goal which is to glorify God. I hope that everyone understands that we are a very young team somewhat decimated by injury and lack of numbers. We have gotten better every week, holding St. Margrets to 21 in the first half is something no one besides Horizon had done in the last two years! I am very excited for the future of this football program. We are still in the playoff hunt if we win tonight vs. O.C. They are pretty good offensively with a very good Quarterback in #1 Andrew Lachelt and Wide Reciever in #4 Rob Coachman. I feel pretty confident that we will give them a run for their money! I hope to see all of you out there tomorrow night with large signs that read BEAT O.C.! and WE ARE W.C. Next year I am hoping to set up a "Battle for the Lance", similar to the "milk can game" between Chino and Don Lugo, or the Battle for the Jeweled Shaleileigh" between USC and Notre Dame, I just need to find a lance :), if you know where I could find one please let me know. I look forward to seeing you all at the food and fellowship before the game tomorrow!

Coach K