The Lakewood Lancers are set to open their 2026‑27 campaign with a much‑anticipated home game against the Corona Del Mar Sea Kings at John Ford Stadium on Friday night, kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Lakewood’s offense enters the season with a revamped line that blends senior experience and promising youth, anchored by senior Thales Nguyen and junior Cedric Lane, while senior Aidan Kautsky steps into the starting quarterback role for the first time.
The receiving corps will rely on a mix of veterans and newcomers, including Jayden Moore, Raymond McCree and Terrish Weston Jr., who together aim to stretch defenses and create big‑play opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
On the defensive side, newcomers Weston Jr. and LA Morris are expected to pressure Corona Del Mar’s rushing attack, while the Sea Kings’ running back Chase Cuchera, who led the team in yards last season, will be a focal point of their ground game.
Corona Del Mar will field a quarterback competition among three juniors — John David Annett, Luca Dinapoli and Dylan Dallal — while veteran receiver JJ Haley, who posted 653 yards and six touchdowns a year ago, looks to add another dimension to the passing attack.
Both programs finished the previous season with strong showings in the Bravo League, and the upcoming clash is seen as a litmus test for their playoff aspirations. The Lancers finished the prior year with a solid offensive showing, while the Sea Kings placed second in the league before exiting in the first round of the CIF‑SS Division 2 playoffs.
With the season just beginning, the match offers a rare early‑season barometer for both squads, and fans on both sides are eager to see how the new pieces fit together under the bright lights of John Ford Stadium.