The Donice Hamilton Trophy is on the line yet again tonight at 7 when Lakewood (1-4, 1-0) visits Millikan (2-2, 0-1) in another Battle of the Blueprint installment.
READ MORE about the history of this rivalry
Last year, former Lakewood star Justin Utupo led his Millikan team to a heated 34-31 victory in his first year as head coach. It was the Rams’ first win in this rivalry since 2001, and the teams didn’t shake hands after the game because of scuffle just before the final whistle.
“That’s your Lakewood and Millikan rivalry right there,” Utupo said after the game. “I’m excited for our boys. It’s been 16 years. We’ll enjoy it and hope to build on this year in, and year out.”
In that game, Millikan quarterback Qeanu Campbell-Caldwell passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns to help give his team an early lead. Lakewood running back Sebastian Kronberger got his team back into the game by rushing for 294 yards and four touchdowns. WATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
Both of those star players are back this season, but they’ve both been struggling with knee injuries. Campbell-Caldwell missed the Poly game last week, and will see limited action, according to Utupo.
Lakewood coach Mike Christensen said Kronberger will miss his third consecutive game.
Junior running back James Voorhies stepped up for Lakewood last week at Jordan, and rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Christensen also said that expects another good game in this rivalry series.
“We’re excited about it,” said Utupo. “I know when I was at Lakewood, and I know now that I’m at Millikan, that nobody needs to give any big speeches for this one. Everyone knows what week it is.”
In the 60-plus years they’ve been playing against each other, Lakewood has won 36, Millikan has won 23, and they tied once.
More on the local rivalries this weekend…
High School Football Rivalries: Long Beach Poly vs. Wilson, Millikan vs. Lakewood
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