Defensive dandies

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

From the sound of things, the first team to score a point, wins.

The Moore League opener Friday night between Lakewood and Long Beach Poly at Veterans Stadium will feature two teams playing exceptionally well on defense.

The Lancers have an experienced unit that includes senior safety Cedric Moore, junior linebacker Trevor Erno and a line made up entirely of returning varsity players in seniors Vincent Abbott, Jeremy Cutler, Simon Sauni and Shay Kelley and junior Italia Crichton.

Lakewood (2-2) has allowed an average of 14.5 points a game in four games, and only three and eight points, respectively, in their last two -- victories over Mayfair and La Palma Kennedy.

‘It’s all about the guys up front,’ Lakewood Coach Thadd MacNeal said. ‘Last year, our offense was really explosive. This year, our defense is really stepping up and doing the job.’

Poly (3-1) shut out Carson for three quarters last week before winning, 38-9, as the Jackrabbits intercepted four passes, forced three fumbles and had several sacks and tackles for losses.

‘Defensively, we’re fine,’ Coach Raul Lara said. ‘Hopefully, they can do even better than they did last week, but that’s going to be hard.’

- Lauren Peterson