The562’s football coverage for the 2026-27 school year is sponsored by Long Beach Poly alums Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
The Lakewood football team sits in a unique place as it prepares for its nonleague contest against Ventura on Friday night.
The Lancers (1-1) had a tough season-opening loss, but bounced back on the road in a 12-7 victory over Paramount last week.
Senior Thales Nguyen powered his way into the end zone to score Lakewood’s first offensive touchdown of the season late in the fourth quarter – which proved to be the game winner.
Nguyen described Lakewood being “stuck in the mud” offensively, but that final drive showcased what was possible as senior Aidan Kautsky connected with Jayden Moore for a big gain that set up Nguyen to take care of the rest on the ground.
The Lancers’ defense provided the needed lift while the offense continued to build its identity.
Lakewood’s offense will need a quick start and Nguyen and Jordan Montgomery should provide some momentum if they can get it going on the ground – which should open things up down field for Kautsky.
However, Ventura (1-0) is the reigning CIF-SS division 6 champion and is a very experienced team that made it to the state final a year ago.
The Cougars got off to a dominating start with a 61-7 win over Oxnard a week ago.
Gavin Scarlett torched the Oxnard defense completing 9-of-10 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns. Tristan Savage and Walker Bullard made the most of their five combined catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns.
