There will be a lot on the line tonight at Compton College where Compton is hosting Lakewood in a Moore League clash. Kickoff is scheduled for 7.
Lakewood (3-5, 3-1) is currently third place in the league, and Compton (2-5, 1-3) is fifth. The Lancers can clinch that third and final automatic CIF postseason spot with a win tonight, but a Compton win could set up a possible three-way tie between Lakewood, Compton and Jordan considering that the Lancers finish the regular season next week against first-place Long Beach Poly while Compton takes on last-place Cabrillo. If those three teams tie for third place with three wins an envelope draw would decide which of the them received the league’s final automatic playoff berth.
“They understand that if we win we’re in,” Lakewood coach Justin Utupo said of his team. “We never want to leave it up to chance.”
Utupo had his players run the bleachers at Tom Ford Stadium this week and afterwards they sat at the top looking at their new field that is finishing up construction.
“We’ve been talking about the senior class and how important it is to give them a chance to play in the postseason, and maybe play a playoff game in our brand new stadium this year,” Utupo said.
Utupo, a Lakewood alum, and his coaching staff full of local guys is very familiar with the Compton double wing offensive attack so they’ve put their heads together to formulate a game plan. The Lancers are also welcoming back guys who have missed time this season.
“I think this is the healthiest we’ve ever been,” Utupo said. “I’m excited to see what a healthy, mistake-free Lakewood football team looks like.”
Lakewood is coming off a thrilling win over Wilson last week. Quarterback Brayden Downen showed poise down the stretch in the victory, and the junior is now only 210 yards short of 2,000 yards passing this season.
Compton is looking to snap a three-game losing streak after opening the league schedule with a 36-14 win over Wilson. Compton has only scored 20 points in the last three games.
“Hopefully we can play up to our potential tonight,” Compton coach Calvin Bryant said.
Compton has beaten Lakewood in their last two meetings, including the 34-21 victory during the rescheduled spring season earlier this year. However, the Lancers have dominated this matchup winning 20 of their last 24 games against Compton. One of those Compton wins in 2011 came via forfeit.
