Carlsbad's 4-0 football team carries a No. 20 state ranking into Friday's non-league game at Valley Center.

The Lancers earned that spot in MaxPreps' Week 5 computer rankings after rolling through their first four opponents by a combined 134-27. They also sit No. 2 in the CIF San Diego Section.

Senior running back Darian Webb is a big reason why. Webb ranks 11th in California in rushing yards with 728 and 23rd in total touchdowns with 10, according to MaxPreps' statewide statistical leaderboard. He averages 182 rushing yards per game.

Webb put on a show in the Lancers' 35-7 win over Poway on Friday, Sept. 11. He carried 17 times for 251 yards and three touchdowns, with scoring runs of 36, 14 and 29 yards, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Carlsbad piled up 520 yards of total offense in that game. Quarterback Antonio D'Alessandro completed 11 of 16 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown.

Head coach Thadd MacNeal, a 1989 Carlsbad High graduate in his 16th season leading the Lancers, has compiled a 117-54 record at the school. His career mark across 21 seasons stands at 162-69. The one thing missing: a CIF San Diego Section championship. MacNeal has lost four Open Division title games at Carlsbad, most recently 20-16 to Cathedral Catholic in 2025.

After the Poway win, MacNeal told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the pursuit still drives him. "It's a driving force, without a doubt," he said. "… It gives you a reason to wake up every day."

Valley Center (2-2) will try to slow the Lancers' ground game after falling to Westview 28-21 on Sept. 11. Running back Mitchell Stehly scored three rushing touchdowns in that loss and averages 103.5 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Jonathan Teter adds 114.7 passing yards per game. The Jaguars average 294.3 total yards per game and 171.5 on the ground.

The Lancers' defense has held opponents to 6.8 points per game through four contests. Linebacker/safety Thorne Parker averages 9.5 tackles per game, and defensive end Dylan Sims averages 2.0 sacks per game.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Valley Center.