Eagles Still Looking For First Golden League Championship
By Donjai Richardson
The Lancaster High School football team is approaching this season with the same hopes as they've had ever since the school has had a football team—win the Golden League championship. In their many years, the Eagles have never been crowned league champions and things aren't looking so bright this year.
Head coach Chad Shrout graduated around 20 seniors last season and has a load of junior varsity players to work in his system. Among the leaving seniors are running back/linebacker Clevon Barnes, who is now attending Ventura College, wide receiver/safety Melvin Stovall, who is now attending Antelope Valley College, and starting quarterback Kurt Hauser, who is leaving for the Marine Corp in December.
The Eagles will feature new quarterback Cameron Benford this season. Benford will have husky offensive linemen Jonathon Lopez and K.C. Boyd to protect him in the pocket while he looks for his main target, wide receiver Darnell Ervan, and give him enough time to dump the ball off to running back Stephen Rice.
“We've been working together since February, in the weight room, on the field, doing drills, and they've come together pretty well just through the program that we run,” Shrout said. “My philosophy is to create a disciplined team that knows the game of football, understands the game of football and I just them to have fun I want them to walk out with a memorable experience.”
Entering his fifth season with new talent, Shrout seeks to finish with a winning record, something that hasn't happened since his first season as the Eagles posted a 6-5 overall record and a 5-2 in league record. Over the last three seasons, they've managed a 6-24 overall record and a 4-17 league record. Last season they finished 2-8 overall and 2-5 in league, going 0-3 against non-league opponents.
“There are some very tough teams in this league,” Shrout said. “We just want to do the best we can every week and come out with a win. Our expectations are to compete for a playoff spot, to compete for the Golden League Championship. These kids put in a lot of work. If they keep it up, If their attitude improves and they stay confident I think we'll be able to play very well.”
The Eagles open up the season on the road as they take on Baldwin Park Sep. 9 at 7 p.m. and will host Antelope Valley in their league opener on Sep. 30.
2011 SCHEDULE
09/09 7 PM at Baldwin Park
09/16 7 PM vs Burroughs
09/23 7 PM vs. Lynwood
09/30 7 PM vs Antelope Valley
10/07 7 PM at Palmdale
10/14 7 PM at Eastside
10/21 7 PM at Quartz Hill
10/28 7 PM at Littlerock
11/04 7 PM vs Knight
11/10 7 PM vs. Highland
LANCASTER HIGH FOOTBALL
2010 RECORD: 2-8 Overall, 2-5 Golden League
TOP RETURNERS: None.
NEWCOMERS: Cameron Bendford, Jonathon Lopez, K.C. Boyd, Darnell Ervan, Stephen Rice.
2011 SEASON OPENER: Fri. Sep. 9, 7 PM at Baldwin Park
2011 LEAGUE OPENER: Fri. Sep. 30, 7 PM vs. Antelope Valley
Lancaster High football coach Chad Shrout looks to lead the Eagles to their first GL title.
