Another slow start doomed Lakewood football against Mayfair on Thursday night at Ron Yary Stadium. The Monsoons scored on their first drive and partially blocked the first Lancers punt on their way to a 43-6 victory over Lakewood to retain the Milk Bucket trophy.
“We’re super young,” Lakewood first-year coach Scott Meyer said. “I hate to keep saying it because at some point we have to grow up. There were times we had nine or 10 underclassman on defense. It’s not an excuse, but we have to continue to be patient with these guys. We’re just trying to be as ready for league as possible.”
Lakewood wasn’t able to pick up a first down in the first half while Mayfair averaged 8.6 yards per play in the first two quarters. The Monsoons took a 15-0 lead in the first 10 minutes thanks to a strong rushing attack. Junior Tstrong Mataele rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.
Just like they did last week against Camarillo, the Lancers avoided getting shut out when quarterback Gevani McCoy found Mister Bridges for a 45-yard touchdown in the final minute. Lakewood gained a net 105 offensive yards on the night.
“Maybe that’s on me a little bit,” Meyer said of the offensive output. “Maybe we need to shrink down what we’re doing offensively. We need to find some stuff we’re good at so we can put a drive together to give our defense a blow.”
Mayfair lost to Wilson last week, and coach Derek Bedell said he loves playing the Moore League.
“It’s important in the area, and this day and age of football, that area teams play each other,” Bedell said. “For (Wilson coach Mark Ziegenhagen) and I to have that game for that trophy, and for Lakewood and Mayfair to continue to play for the Milk Bucket every year, gives us a great opportunity to stay local and have people come watch public high school football. It’s awesome.”
Lakewood beat Mayfair for the Milk Bucket eight straight times from 2007-14, and after a three year hiatus, the Monsoons have won the last three meetings. Lakewood has won 16 of the 23 Milk Bucket games that started in 1962.
