Football: Is Lakewood an elite team?

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There seems to be a consensus that Mission VIejo, Westlake Village Westlake, Anaheim Servite, Corona Centennial and Gardena Serra are all elite teams.

But what about Lakewood (5-0)? The Lancers will get their moment in the spotlight on Friday in a televised Moore League game against rival Long Beach Poly at Veterans Stadium.

Lakewood certainly has the talent to compete against the best, and new quarterback Tyler Schultz has been performing well, with 14 touchdown passes and only one interception. Defensive tackle Todd Barr has eight sacks.

Lakewood’s schedule hasn’t been as strong as expected, but Coach Thadd MacNeal likes what he sees.

‘I think we’re a work in progress,’ he said.

Lakewood ended Poly’s 80-game league winning streak last season, so the Jackrabbits will be out for revenge.

-- Eric Sondheimer