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Nova, Lancers looking to lift spirits

Friday, September, 07 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

The Lawrence High football schedule, as it now stands, offers salvation, and Luis Nova gives thanks.

The Lancers, so low after Thanksgiving's crushing two-point loss against Greater Lawrence Tech, have a shot at instant redemption, tomorrow night (7 p.m.) in the season-opener with Central Catholic at Veterans Memorial Stadium. At least for now, life again is good.

"Last year was very tough, losing to Greater Lawrence Tech, we were so low," said Nova, a senior captain at receiver and safety. "We should have won that game. Most of the guys who played in that one didn't take it seriously until the fourth quarter. By then it was too late.

"Having the chance to open with Central Catholic. This makes or breaks our season. It sets the tempo for the year." Nova helped set the tone in the offseason, with his 13 other seniors, attempting to build the foundation for something special.

Coach Mike Yameen may have only three wins in two seasons, but there are positive signs: A highly promising sophomore class.

High numbers of participants in the lower grades. And alums like Danny Rodriguez making some noise at the college level.

"Guys like that have shown us there is a future if we step it up," said Nova. "I want to be an all-star this year. I want to be noticed. I want to get a chance." Nova, who said his lowest grade last year was a B+, firmly believes in the program.

Although he only had one catch for six yards last year, he feels he can blossom as the Lancers move to a more spread attack.

"There's a lot more fun in this offense," said Nova. "Scoring points shouldn't be the problem."

Nova's top job as captain is to try and make the Lancers forget the lows and remember the highs, like the first two quarters against Central last year when Lawrence went toe to toe with the Raiders, trailing just 10-0 in what was a 22-6 setback.

"Last year, we were better than our record showed, we just broke down mentally," said Nova. "We can't have the fumbles and mistakes like last year. Our defense has to stay strong."