The Thousand Oaks High School Lancers are set to host the Pacifica High School Tritons in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 football semifinals on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
For the second year, the Thousand Oaks High School Lancer Football team has advanced to the quarter-finals.
In the CIF format, home teams for playoff rounds are determined weeks in advance through a predetermined bracket system, allowing the Lancers to gain another week in front of the Green Hole.
The Lancers hold a 4-3 record at home.
En route to the semifinals, the Lancers found themselves in two close one-score games. Round One ended in a four-point win on a Lancer two-yard line. Round Two was a come-from-behind defeat against El Modena, the Lancers took their first lead with less than a minute to go.
Athlete junior Luke Sullivan blocked a punt, caught a touchdown reception and had an interception to clinch the Lancers advance.
On the other side of the bracket, the Tritons resourced a fourth-quarter comeback to advance. Down three scores in the fourth quarter, the Triton offense sparked in the final minutes of the game.
Led by their quarterback Dominic Duran drove the offense down the field three separate times to defeat Long Beach Poly, 45-41.
Key Points
The Lancers and the Tritons have faced four common opponents during the season–West Ranch, Simi Valley, Newbury Park and Rio Mesa. The Tritons held a 3-1 record whilst the Lancers went 1-3.
Pacifica is an overall very disciplined team, competing in the competitive league in Ventura County, Marmonte League. The connection between Pacifica quarterback Dominic Duran and standout athlete Savion Taylor will need to be limited for the Lancers to succeed. Taylor, who is ranked 12th in the Southern Section for receiving yards and committed to Cal Poly.
A stern defensive game is required of the Lancers to contain Pacifica’s potent offensive duo of Duran and Taylor. The Lancers’ defensive line must create pressure early and often, forcing Duran to make rushed decisions.
Grounding the air attack will allow the Lancers’ stout run defense, one of the best in the county, to strive against the multi-running back system the Tritons have.
If the Lancers capitalize on big plays they will secure a spot in the CIF Division 4 Championship.
