A high-flying, roll-the-dice, dig-it-out-in-the-trenches effort was all it took for the Lancers to beat the SM West Vikings for the first time in 18 years.

Anchored by a huge night from the defense and led by quarterback John Schrock’s pinpoint passing, the Lancers defeated the Vikings 21-10 on a rainy Friday at SM South Stadium.

Coach Chip Sherman played the gambler calling the game, having his offense take the field on fourth and long several times — but it paid off, as Schrock found his receivers time and again, extending drives that turned into touchdowns.

The last time the Lancers won seven games in a single season was 1988. No Lancers team has ever won eight games. They close out their regular season next week against SM South, where a win would secure the district title.

There is a touch of grey in the silver lining that was Friday night, however: Schrock left the game with 5:10 in the fourth quarter after injuring his arm on a keeper.