Jake Davidson
Editor-in-Chief
Coming into Homecoming on a three-game win streak dating back to last season, the Milken Varsity football team continued their dominance on the gridiron with a 61-14 thrashing of the visiting La Verne Lutheran Trojans. With a record crowd in attendance, the Wildcats put on a show with explosive plays on offense and vicious hits on defense.
Led by running back Jonah Lavin ’13 and wideout Gabe Freeman ’13, the Wildcats dominated the game from start to finish, jumping to an early lead on a Lavin touchdown plunge. On the next two drives, Freeman tacked on a pair of touchdowns extending his season total to a team-leading eight. The wildcats continued their onslaught in the second quarter with a scoring run by Jason Welsh ’13 and a long reception by Harris Girocco ’13 to make it 34-6 at halftime.
The offense was also aided by a stingy defense who only yielded two scores in the game. They continuously delivered punishing blows to the La Verne Lutheran skill players, wearing out the undermanned Trojan squad of 10. Jonah Resnick ’13 continued his strong defensive start to the season, submitting a dominant performance as he anchored the defensive line. Linebacker Sam Walfish ’13 tallied seven tackles, adding physicality to the defense and providing glimpses of his future potential.
In the second half, the starters rested with a huge lead and the second team got onto the field. Running back Jake Fleshner ’15 carried the load reaching the end zone twice as the Wildcats continued to pour on the points. With the ability to go up the middle for the tough yards and a knack for making big plays, Fleshner could add yet another dimension to an already potent offensive attack and certainly could lead the Wildcats in future years.
The team received a lot of support from fans with a crowd of almost 800 people. The energy in the stadium was electric with an all new spirit squad and a fight song that the crowd rallied behind. With roaring fans, hot dogs, pom poms and a memorable performance, some Milken supporters might have even confused the atmosphere with a big Oaks Christian game.
The team has proved its merit thus far into the season as they have set a school record for wins with their red hot opening. However, the Wildcats easy portion of their schedule is over. As they get deeper into the season, the improved squad will be put to the test when it faces-off against much tougher schools like Trinity Classical Academy and Faith Baptist.
“We have gained experience and a confident mindset from the past three games and we will use it as we progress through the schedule. I’m looking to showing the world that Jews can really play football,” Lavin said.
