The Orange Lutheran Lancers earned a thrilling 20–19 upset over top-seeded St. John Bosco in the CIF SS Division 1 quarterfinals Friday night. It was the definition of perseverance and belief, and a moment that reflected how much this team has grown together.
For Orange Lutheran, the night carried a deeper meaning. It showed the steady formation that takes place in our community, where young men learn to compete with purpose and trust the work God is doing in them.
The Lancers entered the game as the eighth seed, facing a Bosco team known for its high-powered offense. Heavy rain changed the rhythm for both teams, limiting the passing game and turning the night into a test of execution and patience. Orange Lutheran rose to the moment, relying on poise and timely playmaking to earn its most significant win of the season.
"This is what we have been preparing for," said Head Coach Rod Sherman. "The goal of the regular season is to help you grow so that you can play your best football in the playoffs. I told our guys the slate was wiped clean, zero to zero heading into the playoffs. They took that to heart, and tonight we played our best football."
Sherman often talks about development that extends beyond the game. He sees football as a place where young men learn discipline, responsibility, and a steady trust in God's direction. Friday's response reflected that mindset.
After trailing 13–7 late in the third quarter, the Lancers mounted a comeback fueled by explosive plays and a determined defensive effort. Junior quarterback Raegan Toki connected with receiver Nico Bland for a 67-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving Orange Lutheran its first lead at 14–13. Soon after, sophomore defensive back King Rich Johnson stepped in front of a pass and returned it 45 yards for a pick six, extending the advantage to 20–13.
Bosco scored with under two minutes to go, but the extra point attempt sailed wide, preserving the Lancers' one-point lead. After recovering the onside kick, Toki and the offense closed out the game with a kneel-down.
Toki finished with 105 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, along with 19 rushing yards. The defense, anchored by Johnson's crucial interception return, held Bosco in check throughout the second half and delivered stop after stop when it mattered most.
With the victory, Orange Lutheran (3–8) advances to the CIF SS Division 1 semifinals, where it will host Santa Margarita on Friday, November 21, at Orange Coast College. It is a remarkable step for a team that has endured one of the toughest schedules in the country and continued to stay faithful to the process through every challenge.
"We are just getting started," Sherman said. "The guys believe in what we are building, and tonight was proof of what can happen when faith, preparation, and effort come together."
The win was an important milestone, but the larger story is how these players continue to grow into the men God is shaping them to be. Their journey reflects the mission of Orange Lutheran, where students are strengthened in faith and prepared for the path ahead, both on the field and in life.
