The Linganore varsity football team has a very high reputation around the county. Last year, they had a deep playoff run all the way to the State Championship where they lost to the Northern Patriots in a 28-23 match. With many star players such as Chase Shultz and Timmy Connor graduating last year, the team’s success this season remains uncertain. 

The Lancers had a rocky start over the first four games of the season. While the Lancers pulled off a win against the Kenwood Bluebirds 50-20, they lost to the Westminster Owls 28-44. 

On September 16, they managed to beat Walkersville 24-21; however, they later lost to the Oakdale Bears 28-14 in their fourth game of the season on September 25. 

In a comparison to last season, the Lancers beat Kenwood 30-0, Westminster 42-7, Walkersville 25-12, and Oakdale 54-53 in overtime.

“We lost a really good senior class, but we’re not panicking. We’re still in a good place,” Head Coach Rick Connor said.

In response to how the team stacks up this year as compared to last, Junior defensive tackle Mack Mullinix said,  “I don’t think the team is better or worse than last year. There’s just a lot of new faces, which can take some getting used to.”  

At the end of last year, the Lancers were ranked 2nd in 3A schools across the state and 22nd overall. As of the past four games, the high school team has dropped 24 spots to 48th overall and 7 spots to 9th place in 3A rankings.

“I think everyone should have higher expectations as a team; I think the low expectations is what’s holding the team back this season,” said Mullinix.

As for local competition,  the Frederick High School Cadets are the #1 ranked 3A school in the state. Northern High school’s Patriots are ranked #2. Linganore will face off against Frederick on October 14.

Both the players and the coaches seem unworried about the start of the season.

“We have some very talented players, but we brought in a lot of strong personnel,” said Sophomore Joshua True. “We have a very strong defensive line.”

The Lancers have a pretty competitive schedule for the rest of the season. Cheer on the team in their Homecoming game when they play Tuscarora High School on October 7 at 6:30 p.m.