Big Red is Ready for 61st Season!

Aug 15, 2024 10:28AM ● By Rick Sloan, photos by Rick Sloan

Senior defensive back Sunny Hall-Carson makes an interception during the 7v7 scrimmage against Rosemont.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancer football team has been working hard in the off-season in preparation for the start of the 2024-25 season. This season will mark the 61st time the Big Red has taken the gridiron for competition as the Cordova Lancers go up against the Eagles of El Camino High School at home on Aug. 23.

This year, the Lancers will compete in the Metro League, which includes West Park, Kennedy, McClatchy, Antelope, Destiny Christian Academy and Grant.

The 2024 Cordova football team will feature several returning players. Two-way starters, senior tackle Orlando Gomez and junior wide receiver Damajae Moses should help get the Lancers off to a great start entering the new league.

Greater Sacramento League All Leaguers Julian Drahn and Anthony Gomez will lead the defense. Senior safety Sunny Hall-Carson, junior linebacker Armani Curtis and sophomore Terryn King also return to solidify a very talented defensive squad.

Sophomore defensive back Terryn King puts a two-handed touch on the runner during the 7v7 scrimmage against Rosemont.

Cordova looks to start fast on offense this year led by senior Tristan Smith and sophomore Trey Wallace. Both players have been battling it out all summer for the quarterback role. Smith and Wallace have put in tremendous work and should find themselves in multiple roles for the team.

Senior quarterback Tristan Smith prepares to deliver a pass during the 7v7 scrimmages against Rosemont.

Sophomore quarterback Trey Wallace spots his receiver downfield during the 7v7 scrimmage against Rosemont.

Head coach JP Dolliver is excited to get started for his second year at the helm. This year, Cordova has acquired a new defensive coordinator, Jim Ghilardi. They say defenses win football games and that’s exactly what the Lancers need to focus on. This squad has the potential and heart to accomplish the task.

“We will be a blend between youth and experience going into a really competitive new Metro League. It will be extremely important for us to lean on each other for support and encouragement. I think we are up to the task though. These kids have been through a lot with the loss of Elijah and I’m very proud of their resilience,” coach Dolliver said.

Senior running back Elijah Wallace passed away earlier this year. His loss has put a major question mark as to who will be at the starting running back position.

“The running back position is wide open with really big shoes to fill. You can’t replace Elijah so it will most likely come down to a committee effort to get the job done,” Dolliver said.

The one 7v7 touch scrimmage against crosstown rival Rosemont showed a lot of young raw talent. Both quarterbacks, Smith and Wallace, throw a nice ball with good accuracy. Smith might be the stronger quarterback when it comes to passing. Last year, Wallace was a quarterback for the junior varsity squad. As a late addition, Wallace helped the team get back into the winner’s column. He has a good sense while in the pocket and the ability to spot the opening on the field to run for long yardage.

There are also some very talented wide receivers who have the ability to gain more yardage on the ground after the catch. Look for Moses, Carson and King to put up some big numbers this year. The offensive success will depend on the ability of the offensive line to keep the defensive rush under control and out of the backfield.

Upcoming home games will be against El Camino on Aug. 23, Valley Christian on Sept. 6, Kennedy on Sept. 27 (homecoming), McClatchy on Oct. 4 and Destiny Christian Academy on Oct. 18 (senior night).

Come on out and cheer the team on to victory, enjoy the musical performance of the Cordova Marching Band, the acrobatics of the Cordova Cheer Squad and a treat from the snack bar. Tickets are available on GoFan.co.

Go, Big Red!