The annual Lakewood Black and Gold game is Friday at 1 p.m. The following week, on May 19, is the Spartan’s Spring Game Classic against Braden River High at Lakewood at 7:30 p.m. Football Coach Cory Moore is looking forward to his team showcasing its skills this spring season in these two events.

 

“I’m excited to see our team perform,” Moore said. “The spring game will be good on both sides.”

 

Some players he has high hopes for this season are juniors Matthew Landers, a wide receiver; offensive tackle Shomari Peterkin; quarterback Jalen Shazell; sophomores Cornell Battles, a running back; free safety Armani Adams; linebacker Rolando Sims; and linebacker Jerry Hedgeman.

 

"The player who will impress college scouts most is Landers," Moore said. “He has a great skill set. He’s a great kid with great character."

 

So far, Landers said he is being recruited by several big-time schools, including University of Florida, University of Mississippi, University of Miami, University of Georgia and University of South Florida. His dream offer, he said, would come from University of Oregon. Landers said so far spring practice is going well.

 

“We’re competing out there. We’re working on our craft. We’re also preparing for the upcoming fall season,” he said.

 

Some newbies who have caught Moore’s attention are freshman Jerral Killens and sophomore Deshun Gray. Moore said Killens’ work ethic is improving, and Gray is “coming along pretty fast.”

 

Sophomores Rolando Sims and Ky’Andre Moore are pushing guys and learning the system quickly, also, he said.

 

Sims said his personal goal for the spring game is to have at least 20-plus tackles, while the team’s goal is to win. Since 2001, the Spartans have won six spring games and lost 10.

 

“It’s going great so far. We’re having fun and enjoying practice while putting in work,” Sims said.

 

Something new the Spartans are doing this year is allowing players to play offense and defense.

 

“This year we’ll keep our best players on the field. Most of our guys will end up going both ways,” Moore said.

 

He said he is especially proud that the team is starting to bond.

 

“I’m really liking that the team is meshing. I believe that if we can keep coming together it won’t look too good for the rest of the teams in the state,” Moore said.

 

 
Defensive linemen practice their stances on April 25. The Spring game will be May 19 at Lakewood High School. (SHAKERA THOMPSON | SNN)

 

 
Coach Phillip Muszynski throws the ball during a defensive back drill at practice. The football team practices Monday through Friday for the spring game against Braden River High School on May 19. (SHAKERA THOMPSON | SNN)