Congratulations to this week’s Athletes of the Week and thanks to Naples Rib Company for their sponsorship.
Malik Bradford, Millikan Football
Millikan receiver Malik Bradford is one of the city’s top players this year, but injuries have kept him from making his mark in a big way. That all changed Friday against Compton, when Bradford had three catches for 36 yards and two touchdowns, including a tightrope highlight-reel score with a minute left, which gave the Rams their win.
Keyonta Lanier, Long Beach Poly Football
Poly is especially senior-heavy this year, but sophomore Keyonta Lanier has been a bright spot for the underclassmen. Lanier scored three touchdowns for the Jackrabbits on Friday against Cabrillo, two as a receiver and three as a passer. As a QB he went ⅚ for 48 yards and a score in a career night.
Aliya Mesihovich, Wilson Cross Country
The Moore League looks like it’s Aliya Meshovich’s to run this year. The Wilson star led wire to wire at the first league meet of the year at El Dorado and went on to a comfortable win in 18:30 at the three-mile course. Mesihovich was 17 seconds faster than the next-closest runner, which also happened to be a teammate of hers.
Daniel Bautista, Long Beach Poly Cross Country
Five Jackrabbits crossed the finish line together at the first Moore League cross country meet, but Bautista had his name listed first among the quintet of 15:48 three-mile finishers. Perhaps more importantly in breaking the Athlete of the Week tie, he was also the fastest of those five on Saturday in Portland, where he ran 15:56 to help Poly finish third at the Nike 2018 Cross Country championships.
