In a game that carried all the drama that could be expected in a season finale showdown for the Moore League championship, the favored Lakewood Lancers defeated the Wilson Bruins to remain undefeated in league and capture their first title since 1973–but the action on the field was somewhat muted by a noticeably smaller crowd and increased police presence for the first game on the Wilson campus since a fatal shooting occurred following the Bruins’ game against Poly two weeks ago.

Chantha and Vanareth Ross – parents of 16-year old Wilson student Melody, who was an innocent bystander killed in the crossfire that tragic night – were honorary guests at the game, the first they have ever attended; a tragic irony that was not lost on Wilson head coach Mario Morales.

“It’s bittersweet – it’s great to have them here at the game, but not under these circumstances,” he said, following the game. Morales and his players have grown very close with the Ross family, and each player approached and embraced Chantha and Vanareth before walking with them to midfield for the opening coin toss.

“We just fell in love with the family. It’s amazing how much we’ve learned from them.”

The Wilson players presented Melody’s parents with a cardinal-and-gold bouquet and a football autographed by the entire team, which Vanareth kissed and held to the sky. They have been a symbol of strength to the team, holding themselves strong in public through a shocking tragedy – both of them all smiles, offering gracious thanks for the support.

But after the coin toss, when Wilson senior receiver Josh Bell presented a plaque commemorating Melody Ross – her name inscribed in striking gold across it – true emotions overflowed. Vanareth, a grieving mother, fell into Bell’s arms and could only repeat “Thank you, thank you,” as her husband consoled her and linebacker Cheyne Garcia said, “That’s for Melody.”

On the field, both teams got off to a slow start, as if emotionally drained. The first half was a tightly-contested, defensive affair, whose only points came after turnovers.  In other words, exactly what you’d expect from a playoff football game. A Wilson team most thought would be improved this season, but that certainly wasn’t expected to contend for a title, held Lakewood to just one touchdown in the first two quarters, after a Brett Harper interception gave the Lakewood offense a short field.  

The Bruins then got on the board with an Alex Boy field goal, following a Jesse Scroggins interception, snagged out of the air by Ezell Ruffin and run back to the fifty. With both defenses locking down, the teams went to the lockers separated by just four points, 7-3.  

Then, Lakewood’s Terrance Woods showed the explosiveness that sets Lakewood apart, returning the opening third quarter kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown that opened the floodgates on the way to a 42-6 Lakewood victory. Woods also notched 57 yards and two rushing touchdowns on ten carries, but it was that return that energized Lakewood and led to the win.

“[Woods’ return] gave us that momentum. It jump-started us for that second half,” said Lakewood coach Thadd MacNeal. “We faced some adversity tonight and we responded.”

Lakewood would score twice more in the third quarter, as the USC-bound quarterback Scroggins placed a 14-yard laser only where his receiver Kevin Anderson could catch it in the right corner of the endzone. On the ensuing Wilson drive, Lakewood safety Dion Bailey intercepted Harper and returned the pick 35 yards for a touchdown that gave Lakewood a 28-6 lead.

Scroggins overcame two early interceptions to end the night with 105 yards and two touchdowns – both to Anderson – on 10-17 attempts. Harper threw for just 7 yards on 2-13 attempts, with three interceptions. His difficulties were indicative of the Wilson offense, which had opportunities – and often, favorable field position – but was unable to capitalize.

“We just got beat up front,” said Morales. “We had opportunities, but you need more than that against them.”

Wilson had trouble running the ball as well. The normally explosive Ruffin rushed for 46 yards on 14 attempts, while power back Brandon Robertson contributed 26 yards on 6 attempts in limited action as he continues to cope with an injured foot. Despite the offensive troubles, Morales is pleased with his team as they head into CIF playoffs having earned second place in the Moore League.

“It was good for our team to get a chance to play for a Moore League championship,” he said. “Now, it’s a new season and anything can happen. We’re excited about playoffs, we’re not down tonight. The guys are up and we’re ready.”

Lakewood, having fulfilled expectations with a league championship, heads into the playoffs even more ready. MacNeal was handed the golden Harry J. Moore League trophy at midfield and proudly thrust it above his head for a moment, before passing it on to his players.

“I’m more happy for the kids getting to lift that trophy, they did something special,” MacNeal said, beaming. “I think on any given night we can be pretty dangerous. I’m just proud of our character tonight.”

The Lakewood offense has been heralded throughout the region, but it’s their defense that beat Wilson and has established itself as a force to be reckoned with. The Lancers allowed the Bruins just 93 total yards from scrimmage, and allowed the fewest points in the PAC-5 this season.

So the Moore League season winds down, two teams with intimidating defenses move on towards the playoffs to represent yet another stellar class of Long Beach football – one of them with a dynamic offense, propelled by the emotion of a 36-year old streak now broken, perhaps on the verge of creating a new streak of their own.