The Lancers will kick off the varsity football season Friday, Aug. 24, when they take on the Eureka Wildcats in the Battle of 109. After the strong victory last year, the Lancers are confident going into the season opener.

The Lancers have been preparing for this game since last spring and are looking for a key victory to start off their season, but they have to be on top of their game.

“We need to play great defense, take care of the ball, and do all of the little things right in order to win,” Head Coach Boyd Manne said. Manne, entering his ninth year as Head Coach, is eager for a strong win over the rival Wildcats.

Manne has a strong senior lineup this year, looking to make a run at State. Among them are OL Niles Burdell, senior OL Adam Echele, senior DL Austin Gain, senior QB Matt Goro, senior WR/LB-Shaquille Holley, senior OT/DT Gabe Kuhn, senior DB/WR Elliot Montgomery, senior DL Zach Reid, senior LB Joshua Ripp, senior RB/DB Deonte Robinson, senior LB-FB Kevin Root, senior TE/DE John Voit, senior WR Kyle Wright.

“It means everything when we play Eureka. We play like it’s the State Championship,” Holley said. Holley enters his senior season at wide receiver and linebacker.

“We have two really enthusiastic teams, it’s going to be a great atmosphere,” Manne said.

The students, in support of the team, are purchasing “Battle of 109” shirts on sale today at lunch in the Commons.

“We need to compete, believe in each other, and make sure we are all focused on one thing, winning,” Holley said.

In addition to the strong senior class, the Lancers have some junior stars that are looking to make an impact. Leading the Junior Class are LB Alex Brcic, WR/DB Cole Dupont, RB/S Kevin Hampton and QB Evan Scales.

“We need to work hard, play hard, and execute in order to beat Eureka,” Robinson said.

The Battle of 109 will start at 7 p.m. at Lafayette.