Orange Lutheran senior Lucas Rhoa doesn't remember life without football. The 17-year old spent his early years playing with his two older brothers, Ben and Jude, and quickly developed a love for the game that has shaped his life ever since.

"I think football teaches you different things about life," says Rhoa. "It's definitely challenging. The things I enjoy the most are the ups and downs, going through problems and learning how to work them out, just the adversity that the game brings."

Rhoa is an offensive lineman for the Lancers, a position he says is about lifting up his teammates and is defined more by "grind than shine." He sees tremendous promise in this year's roster and looks forward to showing what the team can accomplish as OLu continues Trinity League play and heads toward the postseason.

"I think the world of this team," says Rhoa. "I think we can win a lot of games, be competitive and play the right way. That's something we've been doing well, playing with a lot of integrity."

As a captain, Rhoa considers his leadership style to be equal parts vocal and leading by example. He knows the Lancers are often viewed as underdogs, but he embraces that role as a challenge to change the narrative and prove the doubters wrong.

"I knew from his first week with us that he was going to be special," says OLu offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Chris Ward. "The attitude he brings is very uncommon and will take him far in not only football, but in life. His growth as a leader this year has been incredible to see. From being a rookie to leading the rookies, he has learned how to elevate everyone around him. He could have taken the easy road and coasted through this year and done just fine, but he has really attacked it in every way and is having a legendary season. I'm very proud of his growth and very excited to follow his long football career."

One of Rhoa's favorite moments in a Lancer uniform was OLu's 20-19 upset win over St. John Bosco in last year's CIF playoffs. The victory was a chance to see the team's hard work translate into a memorable postseason win.

"It felt like we worked very hard all season and our record didn't always show the work we put in," says Rhoa. "So it felt good to go out and see some of that hard work pay off. It was a blessing to be out there."

Coming to OLu as a transfer student his sophomore year, Rhoa found an environment where he could grow in his faith, both on and off the field.

"Having my faith be involved in my school has helped me feel more open about it," says Rhoa. "And being able to pray with your team, it helps keep you grounded. We start every single practice with prayer. We pray before the games. There's no nerves after I pray."

Rhoa's football journey will continue at the collegiate level, where he is committed to play for the University of Texas. He credits his father, who accompanied him throughout the recruiting process, for being one of his greatest sources of encouragement and support.

"It was a blessing to go through this recruiting process with him because it brought us even that much closer," says Rhoa of his father. "There's never anything I can't ask him, and I look for his guidance in just about anything. We're so close, and I aspire to be half the man he is one day."