The562’s football coverage for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Long Beach Poly alums Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
It was a special day for the entire Lakewood football program, which gathered in the football bungalow on Wednesday to watch four-year starter Tiwan Jones sign with Idaho State to continue his football and academic career.
The Moore League Defensive Player of the Year is coming off a dominant senior campaign, leading the Lancers to their first win over rivals Millikan since 2020. Primarily a defensive back, Jones recorded four interceptions, five pass deflections and 18 tackles on the year. He also added three touchdowns on offense and returned four special teams scores.
“I’m just excited and I’m ready to bring all the energy, intensity and motivation to the team,” Jones said of his commitment. “I’m excited to just give everything I have at the next level.”
Jones announced his commitment to Idaho State a couple of months ago, and says it became the obvious choice.
“They were the only school that was keeping in contact with me during my recruiting,” he said. “They really liked me and wanted me to be there, and I was talking to them even before they offered me. We’ve had a connection and with the relationship we’ve built, it’s really made me want to take my talents there.”
Lakewood Athletic Director Mike Wadley spoke to open the signing day and recalled having Jones in his class as a freshman. Wadley remembered Jones as a squirrely young kid, but applauded his growth into a captain and leader for the football team.
“I’m very proud of you. You’re still ugly, but I’m very proud of you,” Wadley joked. “I’m proud of the way you’ve represented this school, and you are the epitome of the word leader. For that, I thank you, and I thank your family for raising such a great young man.”
Jones gave a speech before signing to thank God, his coaches and his teammates, along with the dozen-plus family members who came to celebrate him.
“They mean everything to me,” he said of his family. “I mean, to be that motivation for the kids in my family and even the older people, that if you work and put your all into something it’s going to eventually pay out. So to be able to do that and go to the next level, and for free? It’s crazy.”
Jones’ high school athletic career isn’t over yet, as he’s playing on the Lancers’ basketball team this winter. He’ll finish out his senior year at Lakewood before enrolling at Idaho State this summer.
