El Modena’s Lancisero Rushes Into Major Role on Offense

Adam Lancisero is a known commodity on defense for El Modena, but his stock took a dramatic climb on the offensive side Friday night.

Lancisero rushed for a career-high 260 yards in 27 carries and scored three touchdowns to lead the Vanguards to a 21-7 victory over Santa Ana Valley in a Century League game at El Modena High.

“The line made it for me,” Lancisero said. “I might have made a couple breaks, but my line is the best.”

Lancisero, a three-year starter on defense who made first-team all-league at linebacker last season, came into the game as the county’s 10th-leading rusher but should jump a few spots in that category.

He scored on a 43-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter, giving El Modena a 7-0 lead and moving him past the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

Lancisero gave the Vanguards a 14-0 lead with a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, but the Vanguards fumbled on their next two possessions, keeping Santa Ana Valley in the game.

“The ball was soaking wet the whole game,” Lancisero said.

The Falcons (4-4 overall, 1-2) took advantage of their third fumble recovery of the first half, marching 78 yards late in the second quarter and scoring on a 20-yard touchdown pass from James Burgueno to Lance Johnson.

El Modena’s Marcos Chavez missed a 38-yard field goal on the final play of the first half, but the Vanguards moved ahead, 21-7, on Lancisero’s one-yard touchdown run on the first possession of the third quarter.

The Vanguards lost two more fumbles in the second half, including Lancisero’s fumble into the end zone from the one-yard line, but Santa Ana Valley failed to take advantage.

“We couldn’t capitalize,” Santa Ana Valley Coach Eddie Steward said. “But my kids never quit. They played real hard.”

The Falcons played without starting receiver Maurice Dunning and starting defensive back Myles Ramsey, who were benched for disciplinary reasons. Johnson and George Robert made up for Dunning’s absence, catching six passes each.

El Modena’s victory set up a showdown against Foothill next week, with the winner having a clear path into the playoffs.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

CENTURY

*--*

League Overall School W L T W L T Villa Park 3 0 0 8 0 0 Foothill 3 0 0 4 4 0 El Modena 2 1 0 6 2 0 Santa Ana Valley 1 2 0 4 4 0 Canyon 0 3 0 3 5 0 Orange 0 3 0 0 8 0

*--*

WEEK 8

Thursday’s result

* Villa Park 31, Canyon 14

Friday’s results

* El Modena 21, Santa Ana Valley 7

* Foothill 58, Orange 8

WEEK 9

Thursday, Nov. 2

Canyon vs. Orange at El Modena HS

Villa Park vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium

Friday, Nov. 3

Foothill at El Modena