by Yatin Menon (’24) | October 11, 2021
As time expired on the game clock the players roared and the fans were ecstatic. The Saint Francis Varsity Football team had done it: they had beaten De La Salle’s 30-year streak against NorCal teams. In the first home game of the year, the crowds roared as our players dashed onto the field. With many impressive drives in the first half, Saint Francis took a convincing 21-7 lead.
The momentum shifted after the half, however, as De La Salle scored three unanswered touchdowns for a lead of 28-24. The De La Salle Spartans had taken the lead with only 1:38 left on the clock. But the Lancers were not done yet. With strong play from the running back corps and well placed strikes from the QB Matthew Doughtery Jr. (’23), the Lancer’s Nico Andrighetto (’22) scored with just fifteen seconds on the clock.
As the final whistle blew, the players ran around in wonder at what they had just achieved. A streak spanning three decades had been snapped. The Rage Cage was alight with energy and happiness. Students and faculty alike jumped up and down. The stakes were high. Emotions were flowing and at the end of the night, the Lancers came out victorious in packed bleachers. The pride flowed through the voices of those who call Saint Francis home as they sang the Alma Mater.
This team’s accomplishment will forever be remembered. They won as a family and fought hard throughout the whole game. After over a year of turmoil for the students, players, and teachers, it was a gift to finally have fans back in the stands to watch this historic win. This win also put a national spotlight on Saint Francis, and the Lancers are now ranked as third in Northern California and 53rd in the nation on MaxPreps. Although the Lancers have many challenges ahead, this win will provide confidence and insight for future battles. As they prepare for their next opponent, our players continue on with a record of 2-0, the adoration of their schoolmates, and the confidence to continue winning after this historic game.