For the last eight years, the Lancer football program has been highly successful. Last season, Carlsbad won the Avocado League, but fell short to the Lincoln team in the CIF final. The Lancers are looking to bounce back from last season, and new players have had a major impact on the success of their 2023 team. Senior Kurtis Kemp is one new addition and transfer from Murrieta Valley High School in Temecula.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to play for Carlsbad, it has helped to put my ability under a brighter spotlight and take my career to the next level,” Kemp said.

Carlsbad is known for producing college athletes across all sports; athletes are exposed to a high level of competition and talent thrives here. Football itself is a huge part of Carlsbad’s culture and the football games with the addition of Loud Crowd, Lancer dancers, and CHS band and cheer have become tradition. Kemp noticed the characteristics that set Carlsbad apart from others and it influenced his decision heavily.

“The environment on the field and off the field, it’s just a great environment,” Kemp said. “It’s a way better environment that someone who’s new would want to be in rather than being new to a school out there in my old area.”

There’s no football environment without the football team. Training starts in the summer to prepare for the season, and there is so much work and detail that goes into each practice. Kemp, a defensive back, understands the high level of competition that is required to play for Carlsbad.

“The dynamic is always energetic,” Kemp said. “Whether it’s walk-throughs or whether it’s the end of practice, from point A to point Z it’s always 100% tempo.”

Since joining the Lancers, Kemp has transitioned seamlessly into the starting defensive lineup. He is an impactful player on the field and also has fun while competing. Good team chemistry is important for the success of any team, and bonding with the team is something that Kemp values highly.

“Every Thursday afternoon, I have dinner with the football team and I feel like every night it’s always a great memory,” Kemp said.

As the Lancers advance into the season, there is added pressure to win. Since pre-season, the dynamic has been competitive. There is a desire to bring home a CIF championship and to avoid a repeat from last year as Carlsbad and Lincoln will most likely meet again for a well-anticipated rematch.

“We’re fighting for it, you know, not just a league title but CIF and things like that, there’s a way higher competitive level and ability to play with great players on opposite ends of the ball,” Kemp said.

Although Carlsbad has been on a winning streak, there are always adjustments that need to be made. Every week Kemp reflects on his performance and sets goals for the rest of the season. Since the start of the season, the defensive line as a whole has been an important part of the team’s success, however, Kemp’s work ethic sets him apart from the rest of the team.

“As a player and a teammate, I feel like I give my 100% effort whether it’s on the sidelines or on the field,” Kemp said. “I’m gonna make sure all my guys are into the game locked in and if they need support I’ll make sure I’m here for them.”