MILK BOWL SEASON KICKOFF Mike Rae will do a little of everything for Lakewood High this season. Here the All-Moore League quarterback kicks off excitement over 21st PTA Milk Bowl carnival Wednesday evening at Veterans Stadium. Directing the Lancers toward winning season is cheerleader Leslie Spencer.

By Ken Pivernetz

There is a feeling that if any Moore League team is on a crusade this year it is Lakewood High. The Lancers, despite having the leagues best overall record at 7-1-1 last year, were left on the outside looking in when CIF playoff time came around. An upset loss to archrival Millikan, 34-26, and a 20-20 tie with Wilson the last two weeks ended the season on a sour note.

"The players that were on that team are still upset," admits head coach John Ford. "I'd say they remember it very well. "That team last year was basically a junior team. Maybe that accounts for our windup. The inexperience in the end hurt us." The Lancers are back strong again and they'll have to be. Lakewood opens with Westminster, then goes to Chaffey, followed by Mater Dei and St. Paul before starting league play against El Rancho.

"It's the toughest schedule we've ever had to play," says Ford, who is entering his sixth season. "But there's a lot of talent here. I think it's possible for this team to meet the challenge." The offense will be built around quarterback Mike Rae (193), tailback Al Lemmerman (194), tight end Don Richardson (205), guard Tom Knudson (196), and tackle Cal Clack (190). All are outstanding players. Rae hit on 64 percent of his passes last year and was the All-Moore League QB. Ford flatly states, "He's the best I've ever had."

Lemmerman swithces to tailback after a strong season as fullback. Richardson was All-League, while Knudson and Clack were regulars both ways. Rich Herman (178) should be the fullback, although he's being pressed by Steve Lauriano (215), who has been a big surprise.

Gary Rankin (152) is back at slotback. The Lancers are also set in the interior. John Wilkins (165) fills the other guard spot. Andy Gordan (197) and Bill Todd (188) are battling for the other tackle spot. Scott Rollins (178) is at center. Split end could go to a sophomore, Rick Gillies (155) from Bancroft, or Jim Nash (170).

Most of the top personell will go both ways. "We'll play our best players and let them get the job done," says Ford. "our main goal is to win the Moore League and we've got as good a chance as anyone."