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)!"