Avalon High is starting its 8-man football season at 5 p.m. today on the island against Desert Christian.
The Lancers went a combined 30-2 from 2014 to 2016, and won the 2015 CIF 8-man State Championship. Last season, Avalon suffered through a 2-6 rebuilding season while missing the postseason for the first time in eight years.
More than half of the players on the Avalon roster are returning seniors, but Cristo Hernandez is the only senior captain. The tight end and linebacker who leads the defense will be supported by sophomore captains Beto Martinez, Jose Gomez and Jose Silva. Martinez is a receiver and defensive back. Gomez is the quarterback. Silva will play offensive and defensive line.
“Bigger and better things are coming this year,” Hernandez said.
Desert Christian (1-0) routed Frazier Moutain 69-22 last week, but hasn’t had a winning season since 2011.