The General McLane Lancer Football Team will have several new challenges coming into the 2009 season. Replacing four all-region players will be the first order of business for the Lancers. Senior Nick Lombardo will step into the quarterback position, bringing speed, experience and a strong arm. The Lancers will count on Lombardo to be the team leader on the field. Kevin Kulka, returning all-region/all state lineman, will help solidify the line with strength and size, along with top returnees Lee Provencher and Derek Schultz. Seniors Cory Lee and Kyle Ponsoll as well as Junior Kyle Shinn and Sophomore Josh Ponsoll should have an immediate impact on the offensive end and will play key roles in the Lancers success this season. Stand-out kicker David Olszewski also returns for the Lancers. GM will look to a core of returning players for experience and leadership as well as a talented group of new players to stabilize the team. Back for another season are a host of talented players ready and able to step in and try to fill the gaps left by graduation. General McLane competes as part of Region 4 again this season. Region 4 hosts some familiar rivals for GM; including six of their first eleven contests against former Erie County League Teams. In the home opener on September 4th, the 2009 Lancer Football Team will play host to perennial powerhouse and 2008 Region 6 champion, Strong Vincent, in an independent contest. Region play begins the following week when General McLane travels to North East, who finished the 2008 season as the Region 4 champions.