Lancers Return To Nevada's State Championship Match
Dec. 2nd, 2007 - Editorial by Jason Stoll

The McQueen Lancers again returned to Nevada's State Championship football game for the tenth time in 17 years, this one held at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. In their first-ever meeting against the Bishop Gorman Gaels, the winds swirling round UNLV's football stadium seemed to all blow in the Gaels direction who jumped out front in scoring with their first possession of the game, then followed it with a field goal on their second.

Although the Lancers were mentally prepared for this first championship opportunity since 2002, they hadn't experienced the speed of Bishop Gorman's Keola Antolin all year who darted through McQueen's line and broke into open field as though he had after-burners in his sneakers. Taking advantage of their small speedster, the Gaels scored on three separate occasions in the afternoon using Antolin's quick legs. But it wasn't a one-man show for the Orange crush, as their defense also capitalized on several huge plays ... first by intercepting a Conner Brandt throw for a quick score, then later off a Tyler York fumble for another. Unfortunately the Gaels didn't have to grind out much small yardage in the trenches during their possessions either, as they scored on long-distance plays of 90, 40, 28 and 86 yards against the Lancers mainly due to their physical size and speed.

Throughout the season McQueen's defense has caused, and taken advantage of opponents turnovers, but on this particular day little fell in the Lancers favor. With 9:09 left in the 3rd Quarter, the Lancers had narrowed the deficit to just 9 points. With the score now sitting at 23 - 14 in favor of the Gaels, momentum had begun to swing McQueen's direction but it experienced a hiccup when a Bishop Gorman fumble at their 40 yard line (see cover photo and gallery series), was errantly called a downed play and returned to the Gaels. Fortunately that call had no effect on the scoreboard as the Lancers eventually recovered the ball and ground out another long drive downfield, but nearly five minutes play time had elapsed in the interim.

And though the Lancers made the score 17-23 in the third period pulling within a touchdown, the 4th quarter belonged entirely to the Gaels who forced turnovers, halted McQueen drives and scored on two Lancer mistakes. Ultimately the day went to Bishop Gorman as they won the first State 4A Football Championship in school history. McQueen's superb season fell just one win short of their team goals, but these young men accomplished both League and Regional titles while exhibiting some of the most productive football in recent McQueen history.

For the McQueen band who joined the trip at the last minute through some hectic fund raising and scheduling details ... and those fans that struggled through delays of 4, 6 and even 7 hours on their flights to Las Vegas Friday (apparently air control in Las Vegas seized up because of some rainfall) the day didn't produce the finishing note they'd longed for, but all remained in place to congratulate and recognize the football squad's outstanding efforts as they emerged from their locker rooms following the game.

It's been a tremendous privilege and pleasure stalking the sidelines with my camera, bringing you fresh images of Lancer pride and action.  Thanks again to McQueen Principal John Carlson, Athletic Director Angelo Terranova, and of course Head Football Coach Ken Dalton for allowing me to invade the fringes of their workspace. It's been an honor working beside them, and hopefully those benefits they've provided me have been returned in some small way to the McQueen athletes and their families.

Go Lancers!!!