However on this night the Damonte Ranch Mustangs proved they have the heart of champions and that if you prepare, stay focused, stick to your game plan, and execute properly - you can overcome tremendous obstacles.  Damonte's Coach Tony Amantia already knew that, but no doubt he had to add the task of bolstering his team's confidence throughout the week in addition to his regular duties.  While I normally reserve my accolades for the Lancers, one thing's for sure - whatever the Mustangs did in preparation this week, they did it right and generated a huge win for their school that places them solidly into the Region's 4A football ranks.  Congratulations!

Meanwhile, across the valley at Proctor Hug High, one has to wonder if the Hawks errantly allowed themselves to look beyond the Mustangs and lower their focus somewhat?  I'm confident that wasn't the case for Coach Stallworth and staff, but perhaps some of the athletes were already thinking about Region and State Championships to the detriment of the task at hand.  Unfortunately that has caused numerous teams to stumble, which is why early each season you'll find McQueen football staff reigning in their athletes to reinforce they must stay focused solely on the immediate opponent before them, and then repeat each drill as needed until it becomes part of the athlete's muscle memory and second nature.

But the point is my prediction win-streak is extinguished, and as fleeting as the eastern-bound Zephyr winds that leave nothing behind by which to remember them.   :-(   I'll no doubt make some more predictions in coming days, but for those that truly anticipated this Hug/Damonte outcome ... my hat's off to you!

This can be the most anxious and exciting times in high school football as it's a "win-or-go-home" requirement which brings out the best performance in our area's top athletes.  Since the No. 1 team from each league hosts the No. 4 team of the opposing league, both Galena and Reno will have the most to prove as they battle respective Champions.  It may seem a tall order, but both teams are very capable and their respective coaches have pulled surprise upsets in recent history so neither game can be taken for granted.  Should the No. 1 seed come out and play flat or fail to present their best game early on, they could easily find themselves behind at the half and fighting for their lives!  These eight teams represent the Region's best and all should be congratulated for their successful seasons, so strap on your team colors and be there to support your favorites beginning Friday at 7:00pm.
         

Several Lancers once again produced standout performances for the evening, including Phil Sacks who blocked the Cougar's 1st extra-point attempt ... Anthony Martinez who appeared to be a one-man army at times between kickoffs, extra points, pass-interceptions and scores (in addition to his regular running-back duties) ... the always sensational Tyler York, who exploded through the Cougar's lines all evening and added another three touchdowns to his season total ... an underrated Anthony Stolo at Quarterback, who's passing success once again exceeded 75% for 200+ yards and two touchdowns without interception on the night ... and of course Kyle Van Noy, who's one of Nevada's leading college football prospects and could seemingly leap tall buildings in a single bound - assuming there were a football in the air up there for grabs.  This image demonstrates Van Noy's vertical leap against another capable opponent, and if you imagine his arms outstretched above - you can understand why this Lancer brings headaches to opponents and their coaches.

The Lancers now move into the Northern Regional Playoffs and will host Sierra League's 4th-ranked team, the Galena Grizzlies this Friday night at a special 7:00pm kickoff time.  Wear something blue and let's back the Lancers on their march to the 2008 Northern Nevada Championship.

Hug was forecast over Elko by 41-7.  Actual was 58-13 for a larger but similar "spread".
McQueen was forecast over Reno 38-6, but they hammered out a 55-7 win.  Even I'm surprised!
Reed got my nod over Spanish Springs 35-13, then cranked it out 41-14. Not bad!
Finally - I anticipated Manogue over Damonte 48-10, and it was 47-13.  My closest prediction!!!

So here are predictions for this coming week and the first round of Regional Playoffs:
  - McQueen will dispatch the Grizzlies, with little of the fight seen in previous years 45-6
  - Hug should command a solid victory over Damonte Ranch 35-7
  - Douglas will be upset on their home turf by an improved and determined Reed offense 24-20
  - Manogue will be sorely tested by Reno's intensity, but will retake the lead in the 4th for a 20-21 win

By my count, that means three of the High Desert League's representatives will move forward, and only the Manogue Miners of the Sierra League will remain.  Agree or disagree?  Email me: jstoll@lancerfan.com and I'll post your thoughts here.

That's exciting to me, and validates why we started LancerFan 8+ years ago.  We don't always hear a lot of feedback on the site but remain confident families and alumni appreciate checking on the boys in blue.  I vacillate when considering LancerFan's future after these many years taking pictures, but numbers of visitors like this are encouraging and rewarding.    Hopefully we can continue evolving until LancerFan is one of the best prep football sites available.  You know what would make it even BETTER?  Your help and suggestions!  Please email us at: jstoll@lancerfan.com with what you'd like to see added, any suggestions, comments or requests ... and thanks for visiting!

1. Hug @ Elko:  Hug will be intent on restoring their game domination and explosive offense after last week's drubbing at the hands of McQueen.  They'll power past the Indians 41-7.
2. Reno @ McQueen:  Perhaps no opposing head coach has better insight and countermeasures against the Lancers than Dan Avansino, who worked as Dalton's assistant for several years.  Although 2008 hasn't been kind to the Huskies, they're a better / tougher team than the scoreboard reveals and Avansino will command a solid battle from his troupes.  The Lancers will prevail 38-6.
3.  Reed @ Spanish Springs: If I couldn't be watching the Lancers tonight I'd head out to Spanish Springs for this.  Both teams are capable, and have strengths against each other - but Reed's speed and aerial assault will prove too much for the Cougars in the second half.  Reed 35-13
4.  Manogue @ Damonte Ranch: This matchup among the Sierra league will test Damonte Ranch's defense to their limit.  Though the Mustangs are far stronger than previous years, Manogue's assault will be far too much for them and the Miner's coach will pound it until the very end.  Manogue  48-10

Regional Playoffs Note: In coming weeks, I foresee Damonte Ranch, Galena, and Carson all going 1 and 1 for their remaining two games which means they'll stay in the same league position as they are now going into the playoffs.  If McQueen also retains it's No. 1 slot among the High Desert League, they would then host Galena in the first round.  I love watching these two teams battle it out and Galena has proven many times over that they can not, and should not be overlooked - regardless of their record.

In a recent game against North Valleys, McQueen's Kyle Van Noy touched the ball a total of five times, generating four touchdowns. Wow!  This night, the calls went Tyler York's way as he rampaged through the Hawks for 176 total rushing yards and four touchdowns of his own.  That "Lighting and Thunder" combination, coupled with the fast and capable running back, Anthony Martinez help generate a complete arsenal of weapons for head coach Ken Dalton to take advantage of in addition to other Lancers not named here, but proven to put points on the board.

Because of the Nevada State Holiday this Friday, McQueen Varsity plays on THURSDAY night  when they'll host the Reno Huskies on home turf.  Wear something blue and let's pack the stands!

These are formatted to play on your household's standard DVD/Video player so you can watch them from the convenience of your living room television!  Although fairly long (run time is 19m:56s) it remains easy and fun to watch with motion, zoom, and an energetic soundtrack to help catch some of the intensity that Lancer Football is known for.  If you'd like to purchase an additional copy please email jstoll@lancerfan.com or visit our eStore link.   Ordering should be available in the next 48 hours.

If you have an interest in helping add coverage or content from other McQueen sports to LancerFan, please email me at jstoll@lancerfan.com    

McQueen's Marching Band recently won Nevada's 2007 State Championship in their competition, and were able to play portions of their winning arrangement during half-time to the crowds at Sam Boyd Stadium.  Throughout the season team parents and players alike have expressed their appreciation of the band for the support and rallying they bring to each game.  It just wouldn't have been the same without their contribution at this game, and everyone should make it a point to send a note of thanks their way.  Better yet - they've been invited to march in next season's Tournament of Roses parade.  Help with a small donation and return the support back their way!

Thanks Guys!!!!   Loved listening to you above the crowd and you helped make the day even more special for our football athletes.

Similar in style to slide shows presented on MySpace - we're currently adding motion, soundtrack and transitions to our images so this keepsake won't look like the stodgy old shows of the 80's and 90's.  It's the perfect gift for your McQueen athlete (or mom & dad for that matter) ... and best of all the charge will be only what it costs to produce & package.  Probably between $6 - $7 each.  Look for a shortened demo version on LancerFan's website early next week!

I'm confident McQueen will win another victory over the Grizzlies to claim the Regional Championship - but they'll do it with a smaller margin than their last match up.  Defense will still be the headliner for both teams, keeping scoring relatively low in the range of 14 - 9 or perhaps 21-14 in favor of the Lancers at the buzzer.

First we'll toss out the ones that are out-of-focus.  Then I set aside those that are unflattering, or embarrassing to someone.  Finally I eliminate those images that coulda-woulda-shoulda been great, such as when the referee jumps in front of me just as I'm clicking my shutter ... or that great action shot occurring about 100 yards away from where I stand - that now I can't even make out in my tiny image.  You get the idea.   And sometimes the perfect shot is just pure luck.  Other times it's careful planning with just a little luck thrown in.  For example - I've been trying to snap a certain action shot of a particular Lancer for the last 3 games.  Concentrating on it, in fact.  But I still haven't succeeded.  When I do,  that will probably be on our front page as well.  Some athletes or cheerleaders haven't seen themselves online much yet.  We've captured virtually everyone at one point or another, but for reasons listed above your image just might not have made it online to date.  We'll keep trying!

After all our filtering, those images left are generally what we post in our photo gallery.  We try to not only capture action from the game, but also the surrounding people and activities that make up McQueen's entire Friday Night experience and hope we're succeeding. Lastly, I review the action shots and pick a fresh view of Lancer football.  It could be anyone, and though we've had a couple repeat names ... we've featured defense, offense, and special teams.  You might be next!!! 

The McQueen Lancers have their best opportunity in recent years to participate in Nevada's State Championship Football Game this season.  That game is scheduled at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas this December 1st, requiring a road trip for any team or fans from the North.   Several years ago, many parents and boosters found themselves unable to secure last minute flights to Las Vegas once their team made it to the big dance.  They had waited too long, not sure of the season outcome.  Another year for a State semi-final played in the South, many booked their flight for early that Saturday morning, but awoke to 8 inches of snow on the ground and a closed Reno airport.  Although it eventually opened and planes flew, those parents and supporters didn't make it to the game until well after half-time ... and more than a little frazzled from the experience.

Right now, Southwest Airlines is currently featuring a website fare special for only $49.00 each way that Saturday (Reno to Vegas).  For ten dollars more you can fly down the night before and avoid any unexpected snow delays.  Of course seats will go quickly at that special price, so it begs the question:  Do YOU Believe?

This LancerFan has already purchased his!  (www.southwest.com)

So here's LancerFan's predictions:  McQueen will find itself behind going into the half due in large part to Reed's outstanding aerial attack, but will come back strong after half-time adjustments to contain the Raiders while punishing them on the ground for several touchdowns to gain the lead and eventual win.  Look for the breakthrough midway through the 3rd quarter.   Meanwhile just down the road, Galena will have too many weapons for Reno to contain all night, and will ultimately knock the Huskies from contention.  But don't let my 1-sentence prediction make that sound too easy for the Grizzlies.  Reno has a couple substantial play-makers in their lineup and they'll definitely be in contention throughout the game.  I just don't think it'll be enough to quell Galena's multi-faceted offense. 

Herb Hall, the new owner/editor of Nevadaprep.com recently penned an article on this issue that rang home for me regarding the onus and responsibility of reporters.  A writer can focus on any of a dozen angles or story lines when building their article, and care should be given to prevent sensationalizing.  I've had to rewrite numerous drafts over the years myself.  Well, Herb says it best so I'll post a couple excerpts:  
     An athlete or a coach makes an inappropriate, or off-the-cuff remark, or has something he says taken out of context, and within days, hours or even minutes it’s being broadcast, discussed, dissected and criticized.    ....If in the course of an interview or post-game comments, a coach makes a comment the reporter realizes is going to create a difficult situation for the coach, I think the reporter has an obligation to give the coach an opportunity to consider the ramifications of his statement before everyone else sees it in print.

   ... I am saying it could’ve - and should’ve - been handled differently.  Had Stallworth’s comment simply been, “There was a key call in that game that had it gone the other way, North Valleys probably would’ve won instead of Galena.”   It wouldn’t have been that difficult to get him to rephrase his quote and in the process save Stallworth’s Hug football team the uncertainty of not knowing if their coach will be on the sideline for tomorrow’s game because of a comment he made with no ill-intent. (You can read NevadaPrep's entire article here ... )

That's exciting to us, and validates why we started LancerFan 7 years ago.  Though we don't hear a lot of feedback, we're confident families and alumni appreciate checking on the boys in blue when they can't make it to the games themselves.  We plan to continue evolving until we're one of the best prep football sites available anywhere, and always welcome your suggestions.  Email: jstoll@lancerfan.com with what you'd like to see added.  Thanks for visiting!

(Editor's Response:  Dave - that sure sounds like the Coach "D" we know.  Thanks for writing, and send us more details about those Cal Poly wild times someday!)

The original realignment proposal, tendered by Galena High, was successfully passed two weeks ago among the Region's athletic directors in an 11-4 voting margin.  It then moved into the hands of it's member school's principals, who were given final say in the matter.  Following consensus from a majority of those principals, NIAA's directors approved the changes this week, which will go into effect at the end of this scholastic year.

The purpose of the realignment was to minimize travel time, costs, and lost class time for participating students.  Effectively they've established each region geographically, with Reno High and all schools North of I-80 designated as the High Desert league.  Schools South of I-80 (other than Reno High) are now clustered together to form the Sierra league.

Only time will tell if these member schools remain content with their realignment, but the athletic directors wisely voted to readdress the region's alignment every four years - coinciding them with NIAA's realignment reviews, which allows the region to easily adjust itself as urban growth or population changes dictate.

On the downside - these changes assure Elko will not get a shortened trip to Fallon, a city which lies 45 minutes closer to it but no longer falls within their league.  And though I imagine teams like Douglas may reap some small benefit by not having to travel an extra 5 minutes across I-80 to reach North Valley's field rather than Wooster's, overall the stated benefits remain a little fuzzy to me.

With so many athletic directors and school principals having reviewed this proposal, examining it's merits and approving the change ... it stands to reason there's positive benefits for nearly all the schools, even if they're less obvious to the general public such as myself.  So although McQueen will miss it's late season face-off against the Grizzlies, Lancer fans should look forward to the new battles that lay ahead, knowing we could still come across Galena in a Regional playoff if both teams make it that far.  Kudos to the region's athletic directors and principals for taking this bold step, and should issues develop because of the realignment - they can always be fixed just four years away at the next review period.