Right before the season began, the Carlsbad Lancers juniors thought they had fallen victim to a dirty senior prank, one that might of impressed even the most prolific jokesters.

The Lancers were told their home field was now condemned, after traces of Arsenic were found in the soil. Arsenic was heavily used to create lewisite during World War I, a nasty chemical agent that caused skin blistering and burned the inside of soldier's lungs. Not even the toughest of Lancers could defeat such an threat.

After that, the Lancers went on a long road trip, one that continues 12 bus rides later en route to their Division one CIF semi-final matchup against La Costa Canyon.

Luckily for the Lancers, they're in familiar territory. They've already played 4 games at La Costa Canyon High School this season, one of those including an abusing loss to the Mavericks, 52-3.

For the Lancers, the early season currents have turned the opposite direction. After beginning the season with 1-3, with losses to La Costa Canyon, Helix, and Cathedral Catholic, the Lancers have won 6 of 8 games, including an impressive 6-3 victory over Mission Hills, a team in the other Division I semifinal game against Escondido. But which team will come to play Friday night - the team that started 1-3 or the team that's won 6 of 8 games?

The Lancers offensive is led by quarterback Mike Leonard, who has passed for 1160 yards, resulting in 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Bob McAllister, the long time Carlsbad coach, relies on 2 main runningbacks to ignite his rushing attack: Ashton Barbour has run for 495 yards and 5 touchdowns, and David Cisneros, who's rushed for 427 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Lancers have maintained a balanced offensive attack throughout the year.

Last week, the Lancers knocked off the 3rd seeded Chula Vista Spartans with late game heroics by Ashton Barbour, who connected with teammate Mark Mirana, throwing a halfback pass for a 32-yard touchdown. The touchdown gave the Lancers the lead for good.

Carlsbad is no stranger to big games. The Lancers are riding a wave of momentum, one they hope continues with a ticket to Qualcomm stadium to compete in the CIF finals against either Escondido or Mission Hills. Good thing for the surging Lancers, another Friday brings yet another away game. Never has a team become so comfortable on the road.