The Moore League officially kicked off the 2026 football season Monday at Millikan High School, where coaches and players gathered for the league’s second annual Media Day while preparing for one of the biggest changes in league history.
For the first time since the league’s formation, Moore League football will consist of five teams after Compton and Cabrillo departed for the newly formed Hub City League as part of the SoCal Legacy Association.
The new alignment leaves Wilson, Long Beach Poly, Lakewood, Millikan and Jordan competing in a condensed league schedule that will create a more competitive race for the league championship while better preparing teams for the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
Each school was represented by its head coach and six players, giving a preview of what fans can expect this fall while discussing offseason development, leadership and the challenges that come with a new-look Moore League.
Defending league champion Wilson was represented by coach Raudric Curtis and athletes Logan Trafas, John Chapman, Brooklyn Vega, Kingston Meyer, Jemel Grigsby and Kyle Harris.
Curtis said the smaller league creates a greater sense of urgency while reinforcing his program’s philosophy of seeking out the toughest competition possible.
“We’re not chasing stars,” Curtis said. “We’re chasing being a great football team.”
Grigsby said the Bruins have embraced Curtis’ competitive approach.
“Our goal every day is to match Coach’s energy,” Grigsby said. “Going out there and proving ourselves is our way of saying thank you.”
Wilson returns with the confidence that comes from winning last season’s Moore League title, but Curtis made it clear the Bruins aren’t focused on defending a championship. Instead, the emphasis has been on continuing to raise the standard.
Trafas said the team has concentrated on improving every day rather than dwelling on expectations, while veterans such as Chapman, Meyer and Vega will be counted on to help lead a roster looking to prove last season was only the beginning.
The Bruins open their season on the road when they travel to Lakewood to take on Mayfair on Aug. 21.
Long Beach Poly introduced one of the state’s most talented groups with five-star defensive backs Donte Wright and Juju Johnson, Zion Anderson, Jayden Coley, Sammy Timu and Sevelino Taliauli.
First-year head coach and Poly alum Travon Patterson inherits a roster filled with talent, but he said the offseason has centered on getting players to buy into a team-first approach after the Jackrabbits finished second in league play last season.
“The kids have bought into what we’re trying to do,” Patterson said. “They show up every day, they compete every day and they work every day.”
Despite the star power, Patterson consistently shifted the focus away from recruiting rankings and toward team success. The Jackrabbits believe a deeper commitment to leadership and attention to detail will help them return to the top of the Moore League.
The Jackrabbits get their season started against Downey that will be a good early-season test for Poly.
Lakewood was represented by Aiden Kautsky, Davian Avila, Murdoch Langdon, Joe Joe Macias and Thales Nguyen.
Coach Mario Morales said the Lancers have emphasized discipline and leadership throughout the offseason as they continue building their identity after graduating several key contributors.
He also praised Kautsky’s development after taking over at quarterback.
“He’s like a sponge,” Morales said. “He absorbs everything and continues to improve.”
Lakewood enters the season with several players stepping into larger roles, making leadership one of the program’s biggest priorities. Morales said he wants the Lancers to become a more disciplined football team, while players pointed to accountability and brotherhood as areas of emphasis.
The Lancers start the season with a tough opponent as they take on Corona Del Mar opening week.
Millikan hosted the event and was represented by coach Romeo Pellum and athletes Jay Williams, Jesse Laumasima, Ryan Carter, Josh Miyake, Odell Simms and Soren Jensen.
Coming off a disappointing season, Millikan coach Romeo Pellum didn’t hide the motivation driving his program as he enters his 7th season at the helm.
“I’m most excited about our growth and our redemption,” Pellum said.
Sophomore Jonah Tuaniga returns as the Rams’ starting quarterback after earning valuable experience as a freshman. Tuaniga has had a busy Summer competing with the U17 National Volleyball Team, while also leading the Rams’ offense on the football field.
The Rams welcome back Dave Pierson as offensive coordinator after Pellum made changes to the offensive staff during the offseason.
Pellum said last season’s shortcomings have become motivation throughout the offseason as the Rams look to return to championship contention. When asked who Pellum looks forward to playing Wilson and Poly.
Millikan kicks off the season on Thursday, Aug. 21th against Huntington Beach.
Jordan was represented by first-year head coach Rashad Penny who was joined by Raymar Hampton, Kemari Johnson, Jordan Thomas, Sama’jay Jackson, Nathan Rodriguez and Caydyn Hampton.
Penny, a former NFL running back, said returning home to coach was about creating opportunities for local athletes.
“I wanted the chance to give back and be a positive role model,” Penny said. “It’s about building a village.”
Jordan’s players credited Penny with changing the culture by emphasizing accountability and personal relationships as much as football.
The Panthers enter the season energized by Penny’s arrival and the opportunity to establish a new identity. Players repeatedly pointed to the first-year coach’s ability to relate to them because of his playing experience, while Penny stressed building a homegrown program centered on discipline, competition and preparing players for opportunities beyond high school.
Jordan kicks their season off with the 91 gridiron game against Compton.
