The562’s coverage of football in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
Lakewood starts the 2024 postseason with a 60-mile road trip to Valencia for the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 5 playoffs Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Valencia is the 6-4 champion out of the Foothill League, and the Vikings have won six straight league games after starting the season 0-4 in non-league play.
Lakewood is riding the momentum of a 44-7 win over Wilson that clinched the Moore League’s last automatic qualifier spot and they did it in familiar fashion.
The run game was strong with Jojo Apisala and Nytrell Miller working well in tandem, quarterback Kade Casillas working back to his free-wheeling self while taking care of the ball, and the Red Swarm working up into a lather and potent pressure unit.
“They’re a fundamentally sound, well-coached team,” Lakewood coach Justin Utupo said. “We know what we do well.”
These two teams don’t have any similar opponents, but like the Lancers, Valencia quarterback Brady Bretthauer leads the offense while looking to get 4-star running back Brian Bonner involved early. Bonner has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 28 touchdowns.
For the Lancers, Friday night will be a chance at redemption after taking a long road trip to lose an opening round game at Riverside King last year.
