Football: Lister is prepared to lead the way for the Lancers

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Thousand Oaks has to be considered one of the front-runners to win the traditionally competitive Marmonte League this season. And the Lancers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about their chances, especially with John Lister lining up in the backfield.

But before the senior and his teammates are anointed champions, they have some business to take care of in nonleague play. The first test comes Friday in the season opener against Valencia, ranked No. 2 in the Southern Section Northern Division poll.

‘John is our leader. He’s one of those high-character kids,’’ Lancers Coach Mike Leibin said. ‘He brings a lot to the table and it’s the immeasurables that make him special. He’s going to get his 25-30 carries a game. He knows what is expected of him.’’

Indeed Lister does. He rushed for 1,118 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior and gained 1,191 yards with nine scores as a sophomore. His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is being recruited by Nevada and San Diego State.

‘He’s on the radar of the scouts,’’ Leibin said. ‘I’m not sure if he’s a Pac-10 Conference guy, but I’ve spoken with plenty of mid-major coaches about him. Our season doesn’t hang on the success of John Lister. But make no mistake, he means a lot to us.’’

-- Sean Ceglinsky