Rancho Bernardo Broncos 35, Carlsbad Lancers 27

Friday night was the homecoming game for Carlsbad high and I must say it was a complete scene, i will get back to that later. The game between the Broncos and the Lancers was just as entertaining as the homecoming festivities. The Broncos came out of the gate looking to put the packed crowd silently in there seats with a opening drive that ended in a one yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown giving them a early lead. After a three and out the Lancers would get a huge break when the Rancho Bernardo punt returner mishandled the catch and Carlsbad was able to gain control and get on the scoreboard with a field goal. The game would remain 7-3 for the remainder of the first and a couple minutes into the second. After Multiple turnovers by both teams Carlsbad was finally able to capitalize on one, when quarterback Shay Morales broke from the pocket and scrambled for a 15 yards touchdown run to give his team a 10-7 lead. This had the crowd fired up and thinking upset and the Broncos responded like all good teams do with 14 straight points, a four yard touchdown run followed by a screen pass by Mark Salazar to Milan Grice that went 38 yards for the touchdown. 

Going into halftime the Lancers needed something to try and swing the momentum back in their favor, something big, and they got it when quarterback Shea Morales threw up a payer that’s was answered when Ramon Sanchez grabbed the Hail Mary after it was tipped and ran it into the end zone making it 21-17 at the half Broncos.

This game would go back and forward with both teams putting points on the board but Carlsbad was never able to get over the hump that was thrown their way in the second quarter. On their last possession down by 8, deep in their own territory it was time for another Miracle like the one that ended the second quarter. But all the Lancers luck seemed to be used up for the night, because the final snap would sail over the quarterbacks head and time would expire on what was a pretty entertaining game. The final score was Broncos 35, Lancers 27. 

I started this article telling you about how packed and ready this crowd was from the opening introduction, this was by far the most fun I have had covering a game this season. The homecoming halftime routine by the band and cheer squad was outstanding but the show didn’t stop there. The lady lancers put on a five star dance routine that was evidence as to why they are the ten time ESPN national champion. The night was topped off by an awesome firework display after the game that sent the packed house home happy even though the scoreboard didn’t. So hats off to Carlsbad that was one impressive homecoming.

PREVIEW 

It’s homecoming week at Carlsbad high and while the students will be spending the week on who should be king and queen the lancers coaching staff will be spending the week trying to find a way to keep Rancho Bernardo’s offense from spoiling the the party. The Broncos come into Friday nights game with a sour taste in their mouth after getting handled by La Costa Canyon. RB quarterback Mark Salazar struggled last week tossing two picks, one on a final drive that would end a already rough day for the usually methodical Bronco offensive attack. If Rancho Bernardo plans to play the role of homecoming spoiler they will need a much better effort from the two man tandem of Salazar and Wagner. 

Now on the other hand the Lancers made things look easy in their last outing on the road versus a struggling Vista squad. Carlsbad pitched a shutout while also taking care of business on offense putting 33 points on the board. Quarterback Shea Morales and wideout Matt Spiren got the ball rolling with two first quarter hookups and the Lancers never looked back. If Shea Morales can pull off another four touchdown game like last week, I’m sure he will be receiving plenty of late write in votes for homecoming king on and off the field. 

This is setting up to be a great battle between two great offenses come Friday night, the home crowd will be looking to cap off the homecoming week with a win, let’s see if the Broncos have it in them to play spoiler.