Media Day Marks a Turning Point
The Moore League returned for its second annual Media Day, announcing a restructured lineup of five programs that will contest the 2026 season. After Compton and Cabrillo departed for the Hub City League, the remaining teams — Wilson, Long Beach Poly, Lakewood, Millikan and Jordan — now share a tighter competitive landscape. League officials emphasized that the new configuration is designed to foster more intense matchups and to give each squad a stronger platform as they chase berths in the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
Wilson entered the spotlight as the defending champions, but coach Raudric Curtis made it clear that the team’s focus is not on protecting a title but on incremental daily improvement. "We’re not thinking about the trophy; we’re thinking about the work we put in each practice," Curtis said, framing the championship as a byproduct of consistent effort rather than a target to be guarded.
Coaching Perspectives
Long Beach Poly brings a talented roster highlighted by defensive backs Donte Wright and Juju Johnson. First‑year head coach Travon Patterson, who previously served as an assistant, stressed that individual accolades will take a back seat to collective success. "Our goal is to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts," Patterson explained, pointing to a culture that rewards teamwork over personal statistics.
At Lakewood, coach Mario Morales underscored discipline and leadership as the foundation of his program. He praised sophomore standout Aiden Kautsky for his steady development, noting that the team’s progress will be measured by how well it executes the fundamentals instilled in practice.
Millikan’s coach Romeo Pellum returned with a redemption narrative after a disappointing previous season. The team will rely on sophomore quarterback Jonah Tuaniga, who has earned the starting role and is expected to bring added poise to the offense.
Jordan’s new head coach Rashad Penny, a former NFL running back, is building a program rooted in discipline and long‑term player development. Penny described his vision as one that prepares young athletes for opportunities beyond high school, emphasizing hard work and character as core values.
Key Opening Games
The season’s first slate of games is set for August 21, featuring a marquee matchup between Wilson and Lakewood. Long Beach Poly will open against Downey, while Lakewood faces Corona Del Mar and Millikan takes on Huntington Beach on the same day. Jordan’s campaign begins with a highly anticipated contest against Compton in the 91 gridiron game, a rivalry that promises added excitement for fans.
Beyond the opening weekend, the new league structure aims to create a more competitive environment that pushes each program to elevate its play. By condensing the schedule and emphasizing early conference battles, the league hopes to better prepare its teams for the rigors of the CIF Southern Section playoffs, where only the strongest will advance.