Esteemed football guru J.J. Fiddler once again brings us his analysis and predictions from the world of Moore Leage high school football.
In last Friday’s game between the favored Poly Jackrabbits and host Millikan Rams, Millikan was on the fortunate side of multiple tipped passes, a half-back pass and five Poly turnovers. That just a week after Millikan used two defensive touchdowns to get a win over Jordan.
Even though they went on to lose last week to Poly, 28-14, there is something going on in Ram Land. These bounces of the ball are classic signs of a season that is “meant to be.” But even though Millikan may have fate on its side, anything can happen this week.
As of right now, the standings are as follows…
Moore League Standings (as of Oct.18)
Overall, (Moore League)
Compton
6-0, (2-0)
Poly
5-1, (2-0)
Millikan
5-1, (2-1)
Lakewood
4-3, (2-1)
Jordan
3-3, (0-2)
Cabrillo
2-5, (1-2)
Wilson
1-6, (0-3)
As for this week’s games…
Game Of The Week: Millikan @ Lakewood. 7pm. Lakewood High School. 4400 Briercrest Ave, Lakewood.
The Rams and Lancers will go at it in this week’s marquee game, which has the best chance of being this year’s first Moore League overtime game. Millikan is coming off a tough loss to Poly, while Lakewood is riding high after its 48-7 victory over Jordan. The blowout is Lakewood’s second straight 48-point game. In fact, Lakewood has scored 48 points three times this year and has scored over 40 points in all four of its wins.
Three Big Questions
1) Which Lakewood offense will show up?
Lakewood had trouble putting up points early in the season, but has run into some success over the last two weeks by running the ball well. And the Jordan defense is no slouch. Also, the Millikan defense could not stop the Jordan or Poly running attacks. Will Friday be any different?
2) What does it all mean?
This game could decide who grabs that precious third playoff seed behind Poly and Compton. The winner will be alone at 3-1 in league, while the loser would have to win out to make the playoffs.
3) Who will win?
Millikan quarterback Jake Holtz drew compliments for his poised performance last week against Poly, but if he wants to be successful this week he needs to avoid throwing it to star defensive back Cedric Moore’s side. If he can do that, and Millikan can continue to be effective with its screen pass attack, Millikan will keep the Lakewood defense off balance and continue its fateful run. 21-20, Millikan.
Poly @ Wilson. 7pm. Wilson High School. 4400 E. 10th St., Long Beach.
Poly has historically had trouble with Wilson, because in rivalry games, “you throw out the records.” But this Poly team is just too good for a Wilson squad struggling with its identity. Poly wins handily, 35-14.
Compton @ Jordan. 7pm. 6500 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach.
The only chance Jordan has is to try and beat Compton at its own game: running the ball at will. Can the Panthers do it? Probably not against a Compton defense that has only allowed 55 points in six games. Compton rolls, 41-21.