As Orange Lutheran heads back to the gridiron this fall, expectations for the team are the highest they have been in recent years.
 
The Lancers enter the season ranked #24 in the nation, #7 in the state and #7 in CIF Southern Section, per MaxPreps preseason rankings. The varsity roster also returns nearly 20 players with significant game experience. And after a first round loss to Corona Centennial in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs last year, OLu is ready to take the next step in program growth.
 
"I think there's optimism with where we're at," says OLu football head coach Rod Sherman. "Most of our guys that were [All-Trinity League] last year return because we didn't have many seniors. At every position, I feel like we have pretty good depth."
 
That depth will be tested as the Lancers will be taking on one of the most challenging schedules in the country, including nine out of the 10 regular season games against teams ranked in the top 55 nationally, and five games against teams in the top 17 preseason rankings (#1 Mater Dei, #2 Bishop Gorman, #4 St. John Bosco, #14 St. Frances Academy, #17 Sierra Canyon.)
 
A couple of game days circled on the calendar this season are when OLu hosts St. Frances Academy from Baltimore, Maryland, on September 6, and September 13 when the Lancers travel to Las Vegas to take on Bishop Gorman. Trinity League play opens on October 4 against St. John Bosco and wraps up November 1 versus Mater Dei.
 
Despite the daunting schedule, Sherman and the team have the belief that they will represent OLu well and that a Trinity League championship isn't out of the question.
 
"We think that's what God is calling us to here, challenge and being refined in the fire…so we're not fearful," says Sherman. "We get to go represent Orange Lutheran High School. There's something that's exciting about that. And part of that is because we want to showcase who Orange Lutheran is at the national level."
 
The Lancers will be led by a 10-player leadership core representing each grade and position group, including seniors Ben Alefaio, Tyler Hennessy, TJ Lateef, Jireh Moe, Cole Principe and Keelan Tagoai, juniors Talanoa Ili and Chistian Panapa, and sophomores Nico Bland and Bubba McClure.
 
Sherman and his staff are also looking for strong seasons from three-sport athlete and senior AJ Campbell, seniors AJ Ia and Nehemiah Johnson Williams, and sophomore Kanan Khansarinia.
 
"Now is the time for us to have that inner confidence that says we are ready to compete at the highest levels," says Sherman. "The next step is to walk out on the field with a deep-seated confidence that says we can compete with anyone in the country, every game."
 
The Lancers have added two new coordinators this year, bringing a bit of a different look on the field. OLu alum and former NFL wide receiver Austin Pettis '07, who helped lead the Lancers to the school's 2006 CIF State championship, will be serving as offensive coordinator. And former NFL Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion with the 2000 St. Louis Rams, defensive back Todd Lyght, is the new defensive coordinator.
 
The season kicks off August 23 when the Lancers travel to take on #45 nationally ranked and #16 state ranked Serra of Gardena. Confidence, selflessness and a strong work ethic will be at the heart of OLu's mission this year.
 
"From my vantage point, this team has a special bond," says Sherman. "They're the right kids for Orange Lutheran, and to watch them engage with each other, challenge each other, compete against each other, hold each other accountable, live life - that's what high school sports is about…I'm just really excited to see what God does with these young men in this program for us to keep growing and improving."