Reloading, Lancaster Goes Off Late

Lancaster High had to replace 20 starters from a team that finished second in the Golden League and advanced to the Southern Section Division III quarterfinals last year.

Rival coaches picked the Eagles to finish fifth or sixth in a preseason poll.

But Lancaster rallied to win three of its last four games to finish tied for second and claim a playoff spot.

“This is very satisfying because we took a bunch of kids who weren’t supposed to do anything,” said Coach Ray DeShane, whose Eagles (4-6) travel to St. Francis (9-1) tonight.

Junior Tony Ortiz, who led the Golden League in interceptions with five, broke the school’s season rushing record last week against Quartz Hill and has 1,085 yards. The previous mark of 1,044 was set by Danny Pagnella in 1997.

But the strength of Lancaster’s team might be its line.

Two-way lineman Majdy Haddad, 5 feet 11 and 260 pounds, and tackle Travis Kirk, 6-2 and 290, have sparked interest from college recruiters in recent weeks.

Kirk will get some extra exposure against St. Francis. Because of academic ineligibility, the Eagles will be short three defensive lineman, forcing Kirk to play both ways.

“We’re hoping he can suck it up and play a good game on both sides,” DeShane said.

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Paraclete was 26-2 and won consecutive Southern Section titles the last two seasons, but began this season 2-3.

The Spirits are back on track after five consecutive victories and another Alpha League title.

“We’re really happy where we are right now,” Coach Steve Hagerty said. “Maybe the kids were just blowing me off until it was time to get going. They’ve been making me sweat all year.”

Paraclete (7-3), seeded fourth in Division XII, is trying to become the first team from the region to win three consecutive section titles since Canyon from 1984-86.

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Kilpatrick is hoping for another walk in the park. The Mustangs, who don’t have an on-campus stadium, hosted playoff games last season at Newbury Park and Oak Park, both victories.

Tonight, they will play Big Bear at Canoga Park. A good omen?

“I sure hope it is,” Coach Sid Ware said.