The 2018 Point Loma Pointers football schedule has been released and it features a new member of the Western League who has been a familiar rival of the Pointers for a number of years.
The Lincoln Hornets will bring their vaunted speed and passing game to the Western League after posting a 16-8 record over the past two seasons including an appearance in the CIF Div. III semifinals in 2016 and a Div. II quarterfinals appearance last season. The Hornets were defeated by Otay Ranch in last year’s playoffs and the Pointers will face both teams this season.
Leaving the Western League is Mira Mesa after recording a mark of 6-15 over the past two seasons.
Also, new non-league opponent Rancho Bernardo will make an appearance at Pete Ross Stadium for the first time while Otay Ranch returns to the pre-season schedule.
Every 2018 opponent was a CIF playoff participant in 2017 with the 10 teams compiling an overall record of 79-42.  
CIF football schedules have been moved forward this year so that all championship games will be played the day after Thanksgiving. A look at this year’s Pointer slate:
Week 1: Aug. 17 at El Camino (8-6 in 2017), 7 p.m. Last year: El Camino 34, PLHS 12. Wildcats won the CIF D-I title before losing a state playoff game to Crenshaw of Los Angeles.
Week 2: Aug. 24 at home vs. Ramona (12-1 in 2017), 6:30 p.m. Last year: Ramona 21, PLHS 14. Bulldogs lost to Steele Canyon in CIF Div. II finals.
Week 3: Aug. 31 at Otay Ranch (8-4 in 2017), 7 p.m. Last year: DNP (did not play). Mustangs lost to Ramona in CIF Div. II semifinals.
Week 4: Sept. 7 at home vs. Rancho Bernardo (6-6 in 2017), 6:30 p.m. Last year: DNP. Broncos lost to Eastlake in CIF Div. I quarterfinals.
Week 5: Sept. 14 at Olympian (6-6 in 2017), 7 p.m. Last year: PLHS 38, Olympian 28. Eagles lost to El Camino in CIF Div. I quarterfinals.
Week 6: Bye week for all Pointer football teams.
Week 7: Sept. 28 Homecoming vs. University City (10-2 in 2017), 6:30 p.m.. Last year: DNP. The Centurions lost to Monte Vista in the CIF Div. IV semifinals.
Week 8: Oct. 5 at Madison (8-3 in 2017), 6:30 p.m. Last year: PLHS 38, Madison 22. The Warhawks lost to Helix in the CIF Open Div. first round.
Week 9: Oct. 12 at Lincoln (9-3 in 2017), 6:30 p.m. Last year: PLHS 36, Lincoln 34. The Hornets lost to Otay Ranch in CIF Div. II quarterfinals.
Week 10: Oct. 19 at home vs. St. Augustine (7-4 in 2017), 6:30 p.m. Last year: St. Augustine 53, PLHS 34. Saints lost to San Marcos in CIF Open Div. first round.
Week 11: Oct. 26 at home vs. Cathedral Catholic (5-7 in 2017), 6:30 p.m. Last year: PLHS 10, Cathedral Catholic 7. The Dons lost to Carlsbad in the CIF Div. I quarterfinals.
Three seniors who earned post-season honors as juniors will lead the Pointers:
Defensive back JL Skinner earned first team Western League and second team all-CIF honors. He has grown from his 6-foot 5-inches height last year and added to his 165-pound frame.
Linebacker Jake Silva was an all-league second team choice last year. The 5-foot 11 inches tall senior will be stronger and up from his 220-pound weight.
Defensive end Wes Windmiller’s junior season saw him also selected as a second team all-leaguer. Windmiller generated great speed and pursuit last year at 5-foot 11 inches tall and 160 pounds.