akewood High gets its big chance tonight. The baby entry in interscholastic competition smacks head-on into one of the most touted prep teams in Long Beach in a while-the Poly Jackrabbits. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium. An overflow crowd of 6,500 is expected. The other Moore League clash has Jordan at Millikan; Wilson travels to San Pedro High, also at 8.

The Lakewood-Poly clash might be labeled a championship affair, though it isn't necessarily the title decider. If the Jackrabbits win, they've got it locked up, but a Lakewood victory would leave the issue undecided another week. Poly could climb back on top with an assist from Wilson, the final game foe of the Lancers. Few thought the Lakewood team would be casting eyes toward any championships this year, just 12 months after making their debut with a winless season.

This year, coach Chuck Toy switched to the double and single wing formations, tossed in a few spread-formation plays along with success. They beat Jordan and tied Millikan in two league games and have an overall record of 2-2-2. Toy says his players are "thinking seriously about this game," and though he recognizes the odds against an upset "I won't count them out." "We have the speed to match them," Toy says, adding, "except for (Dee) Andrews."

LAKEWOOD'S SPEED is centered around halfback Don Cornelius, the leading scorer on the club. The bread-and-butter player is quarterback Gil Mendoza, the top ground gainer and an excellent blocker. Toy listed fullback Ray Dracoules on the injury sheet Thursday, but added the 185 pounder will be in the starting lineup. He has a knee injury that will slow him down.

Poly coach Dave Levy evaluated the situation with his team thusly: "We're right where we were a week ago." Last week the Jackrabbits were held to a 7-7 tie by non-league foe Colton after squashing five consecutive opponents by large scores. The Hares still are bothered by injuries to several key lineman plus a couple of top backs. Halfback Willie Brown has been limping in practice this week. Fullback Lonzo Irvin, who missed last week's games is listed as a starter tonight.

Jordan goes for its second win in a row and comparative scores say the Panthers will get it. Last week Jordan pulled the upset of the season in the league and knocked off high rated Wilson, which previosuly had defeated Millikan by a wide margin. Wilson takes its hopes of putting the pieces together to the San Pedro stadium rated an even chance. San Pedro has lost two of six games, but last week's 7-0 defeat by L.A. Jordan was charged off to an injury to star player Jimmy Zar, the power runner in the single wing attack. Zar is reported ready for an all-out effort.

-Jerome Hall