The East Union Lancers made history in their first year under head coach Jason Stock, finishing the regular season with a school‑record nine victories and securing a top‑150 state ranking for the first time since 1989. The team’s unexpected run culminated in a trip to the CIF Sac‑Joaquin Section championship game, a milestone that had eluded the program for more than three decades.
Jason Stock’s vision centered on daily accountability and collective teamwork, principles he said would set a new standard for the program. By demanding consistent effort at practice and in games, he forged a culture that emphasized teamwork over individual accolades.
A Culture Built on Accountability
The coach’s mantra of ‘accountability every day’ quickly became the team’s rallying cry. Players embraced the expectation to meet high standards in every drill, and the resulting cohesion translated into a 7‑3 record that surprised many observers.
The Lancers’ playoff journey was nothing short of dramatic. They knocked off No. 5 Placerville and top‑seeded No. 12 Bridges, becoming the first East Union squad to defeat two ranked opponents in a single postseason. Those wins propelled the team to its inaugural section title game, where they fell just short of the championship but left an indelible mark on the school’s history.
The triumph was bittersweet, as 24 seniors — including standouts like Gunnar Fay, Jackson Fay, JP Abrew, Kirk Simoni and Brayden Camara — departed the program. Their exit created both a void and an opportunity for younger talent to step into larger roles.
Among those returning, Gunnar Fay remains the team’s premier receiver, while Max Abrew is locked in a three‑way battle for the quarterback position alongside two returning offensive linemen. Defensive stalwarts Erick Cortez and Ricky Soria are set to anchor a unit that produced 57 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks last season.
Coach Stock expressed confidence that the foundation he has laid will enable the Lancers to aim higher in 2026. He outlined a target of a perfect 10‑0 regular season and a return to the championship game, citing the team’s depth and the excitement generated by six home games that will showcase their firepower.