Ryan Aarts/The Independent

Five years after the LCCVI football program was rebooted, the Lancers are no longer just trying to compete, they’re operating with high expectations.

That’s according to LCCVI Football Coach Brett Waring as the team heads into its first game of the 2026 season Thursday.

Waring says he and Assistant Coach Matt Godfrey “had a good base” to work with and “similar coaching philosophies” when football returned to LCCVI after a two-year absence.

Waring kept it simple those first years “Creating routine and expectations takes time, it’s not just going to come right away,” he says.

That investment in time is paying serious benefits five years later, Waring believes. “Players are becoming more familiar with expectations…They’re understanding the challenges better, and more leaders have emerged from the team.”

For Waring, the coaching journey has been a lesson in adaptability.

“You have to adapt to what you have…flexibility is key. Everyone responds differently to coaching styles – it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.” 

The Lancers reached a milestone last season competing for a SWOSSAA Championship. Although the Lancers lost to Windsor’s Herman Griffins 42-3, facing high-level regional competition was a learning experience.

“Playing in SWOSSAA gave us a better perspective on what it takes to be elite,” Waring says. 

While the team strives for a championship, for Waring, the wins on the scoreboard are secondary to the personal growth of his players.

“Accountability – it’s about everyone – not yourself.” Waring said when asked what he hopes players take away from the program adding players should learn skills and have the resilience to succeed outside of school on the field.

Optimism is running high, as the Lancers open the season at home Thursday against Wallaceburg. “We have lots of new players, but they are enthusiastic. We are excited to compete,” says Waring.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ryan Aarts is an LCCVI Co-op Student working this term at The Independent.