“Purple, white, let’s go, let’s fight!” shouted the varsity cheerleading team during the first home game in two years. With great anticipation for the first game, on September 3, Carlsbad fans crowded around the entire stadium before the kickoff.  Prideful Lancer fans filled the stadium to the brim.

Before the game, spectators were treated to a Navy Seal appearance, who parachuted down to the field, wearing Lancer jerseys and trailing a Carlsbad banner. Moments after this memorable entrance, the football team stormed onto the new field ready to achieve their first victory.

Senior Armani Aburto started off the game by scoring a touchdown run inside the twenty yard line. In the second quarter, Aburto continued to dominate by catching a pass and taking it 28 yards into the end zone.

“The coaches haven’t said who the MVP is yet, but I definitely think that Armani deserves it,” Captain Connor Sodano said.

By halftime, the Lancers were in the lead 14-0. Performances by the dance teams, X-Calibur and Lancer Dancers, awed the crowd. The marching band also had an amazing performance, feeding off the crowd’s high energy.

In the second half, Carlsbad linebacker, Brent Courtney, caused Saint Augustine’s running back to fumble just yards away from their end zone. Blake Vandenkolk then recovered the ball, returning the possession to Carlsbad.

“It was the same score at halftime last year, so we didn’t want to get complacent and let the Saints get back into the game like a year ago,” Senior team captain Adam Olsen said. “So it’s good we didn’t let them back into their end zone.”

In the third quarter, Cody Pinner found Bryson Cabacungan for a 26 yard touchdown pass, setting the stage for Carlsbad’s 21- 12 victory.

“We had the game won already but that fumble recovery sealed the deal,” Junior Thomas Eshelman said.

Carlsbad high school students celebrated wildly after the game, crowding around the stadium and congratulating all the players who made history on the new field.

“This was a great start to the season and the home field motivates the team to really bring their game,” Sodano said. “I think we have a good team this year and a good chance of making CIF’s.”