Rivalry week continues tonight as the Lakewood Lancers (0-2) and the Mayfair Monsoons (2-0) play each other for the Milk Bucket. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Lakewood has won 16 of the 23 Milk Bucket games that started in 1962. These schools that were originally separated by a large dairy farm played some epic overtime games in the early 2000’s but Lakewood beat Mayfair for the bucket eight straight times from 2006-14. After some coaching changes and a three year hiatus, the Monsoons have won the last three Milk Bucket meetings.
“The kids are well aware of the history and it’s a great rivalry for the city of Lakewood,” Mayfair coach Derek Bedell said before the Monsoons beat the Lancers in 2019.
This year the matchup looks to be in Mayfair’s favor after the Monsoons have already scored 78 points this season while Lakewood has allowed 69 points.
Lakewood coach Justin Utupo said that Mayfair is a disciplined team that plays sound defense after watching film of their wins over Chaffey and St. Anthony.
“It’s going to be a tough rivalry game,” Utupo said.
Utupo added that his defense will have to be keyed on Mayfair running back Nick Adimora, who is a hard runner and does a good job of catching the ball out of the backfield. Utupo said he might be one of the best running backs in the local area.
The good news for Lakewood is that cornerback Jevon Rodriguez and some other Lancers defenders who have missed games will be back in the starting lineup tonight.
