Every year, it seems easier to forget just how good Lakewood really is. Tough nonleague games and Poly have made 7-4 a habit. “To me, 7-4 is just like 5-5,” says Coach Thad MacNeal. “We’re trying to make this an elite program.” Problem is, it already is an elite program—just one that’s struggled over the last two decades to get over that final green and gold hump. Lakewood finishes second so often, that the biggest question about this team year in and year out is, “Can they beat Poly?” Last year, they almost did, playing the ‘Rabbits tough and losing by the razor-thin margin of 13-6.

Their defense was the driving force in that performance, and throughout the year—in the Moore League they allowed just 12.5 points a game. Anchoring the “Red Swarm” is senior Trevor Erno, a four-year starter at middle linebacker. The ball hawk, who’s being recruited by multiple Pac-10 schools, makes a habit of finding himself in the right place at the right time. On offense, Lakewood hoped for running back Alex Fletcher to take the majority of the carries, as he’s done for the last three seasons. Known for both strength and speed, Fletcher’s good hands make him an all-around threat in the single back set–but Fletcher was deemed academically ineligible for this season, and Lakewood will have to find another playmaker.

While there are five teams in the Moore League who would love to occupy the number two spot, doing so again would be a disappointment for the Lancers. If their defense can keep holding Poly under 14 points, and if someone (besides Fletcher) can become the playmaker the Lancers need, this might be the year it pays to bet on red. Because red’s bound to hit eventually…right?

LAKEWOOD LANCERS 2008 SCHEDULE–Games start at 7pm unless otherwise noted
Sept. 5 vs. Crenshaw
Sept. 12 at Palos Verdes Peninsula, 3:15 p.m.
Sept. 19 vs. Mayfair
Sept. 27 vs. Verbum Dei, 1 p.m.
Oct. 3 vs. Poly
Oct. 10 vs. Cabrillo
Oct. 17 at Jordan
Oct. 24 at Millikan
Nov. 7 vs. Wilson
Nov. 14 at Compton