The Lakewood football program was coming off of consecutive three-win seasons when coach Scott Meyer took over this year, but he had clear goals when we interviewed him for the season preview.
“It might take a little time, but this year we’d like to get this group in the playoffs and we feel like we can get it done. We need to lean to practice at a certain level and effort, and then head into each game with a little bit of swag.”
Quarterback Gevani McCoy, running back James Voorhies, linebacker Ray Masoe, lineman Chase Carter and other team leaders have developed that swag once again in time to earn an at-large bid into the CIF Southern Section Division 9 bracket.
Lakewood travels to Brea Olinda tonight at 7 for the first round.
“A lot of crazy stuff would have had to have happened for us not to get in,” Meyer said. “That said it’s a relief when you see your name, and all our players and coaches are excited for the opportunity. We’re really excited, it’s a whole new season.”
The Lakewood offense has carried the team back into contention thanks to the evolvement of McCoy in the running game.
The 5’4” Voorhies has been a reliable running back with 115 carries, 769 yards and five touchdowns. Senior receiver Mister Bridges has been the big play option with 26 receptions for 412 yards and seven touchdowns.
Sophomores Ormanie Arnold and Travis Perryman lead the Lakewood defense with a combined 101 tackles.
Brea Olinda (6-4, 2-1) had its season turn on a 16-10 overtime win over rival Esperanza last month. The Wildcats defense is led by seniors Eugene Kim and Kion Marshall. Kim is a strong middle linebacker with a team-high 92 tackles, and Marshall has 15 tackles for loss at defensive tackle.
