Jordan and Jalen

Lawndale's Future Focused on the Now

Lawndale High School is sitting pretty after their 38-14 drubbing of a Summit team led by USC commit Stephen Carr. Carr is considered one of the top backs in the country, but Jordan Wilmore looked like the best back on the field last Friday. Wilmore ran for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. Lawndale's Jalen Hamler, the quarterback, did a good job keeping the defense honest with his throwing. He went 11 of 17 for 138 yards and threw for a touchdown.

Heading into the game, I knew the Cardinals were one of the hottest teams in the playoffs. They had won six of their last seven including an opening round blowout over West Torrance. I texted Lawndale's head coach Travis Clark, my old coach at Santa Monica, and he described this team as a young group. However, if they bought into what he and his coaching staff were teaching, they could do some special things. The team seems to have bought in and is now on the cusp of a championship appearance. I got the chance to talk to Wilmore and Hamler about this season and more.

Wilmore started playing football at the age of seven. He said, "I knew I was gifted the first time my coaches put me at running back." Hamler started playing at the age of six and felt a connection with the game immediately. He said, "It's the only thing that never let me down, I knew I could always go lay on my bed and throw the football up and down to myself." JHam's, Hamler's nickname, passion for the game extends to his teammates as well.

Wilmore and Hamler are both first time starters coming from a different school. Wilmore transferred from Serra while Hamler came from Cathedral. Wilmore came to Lawndale because it was a better fit. Hamler felt like Lawndale was a program that was on the rise, he liked what he saw from the team in the offseason, and felt a bond with the players. Wilmore got ready for the season by working on his footwork, working on his speed, and lifting. Hamler learned how to hold the ball in the pocket, worked on his footwork, and throwing mechanics. The improvements the players made paid dividends for them this season.

Wilmore and Hamler provide a dynamic duo in the backfield and under center for the Cards. Before games, you can find them getting in the zone listening to Lil Uzi Vert, Future, Kodak Black, and other artists. Their music helps them loosen up as they get ready to strap up and hit the gridiron. Wilmore is just a sophomore and has rushed for over 2,200 yards. Hamler does not throw the ball a lot in a game, but he makes the most of his opportunities and takes care of the ball. He has thrown for 1,900 yards, rushed for over 500 yards, and scored 29 times all season. They impressed me with the level of poise they play with as young men. Against Summit, they never looked rattled and the moment never got too big for them. Their football perspective is a full 360 from mine when I was in high school. They took the criticism of Coach Clark in stride as well. They listened attentively, got their mind right, and made plays that broke the game wide open. Clark can be really tough to deal with and everybody cannot play for a guy with his coaching style. However, his coaching style wins games and that is why he has only missed the playoffs once. Hamler knows his coach is a perfectionist and focuses on the details, each play, and one-on-one battles. This is why their bond has the Cardinals heading to the CIF Semi-Finals.
Wilmore and Hamler’s relationship with Coach Clark extends well beyond the game of football. Both players can attest to the fact that he treats them like family. Hamler went into great depth about his coach. He said, "I look at Coach Travis as a father figure. Someone who treats us like family and wants to help us become better men for the future. He is worried about the present but also looking forward to the future, teaching me the rights and the wrongs of this world. Coach Travis Clark is the best head coach I ever had in my life and I'm thankful and grateful he gave me the opportunity to come to Lawndale and play for him." I can certainly agree with Hamler and Wilmore, as Clark has always been someone who genuinely cares for his players.

Although Lawndale looks like a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, the team has had its fare share of low points. Both players agreed that the losses to El Segundo and San Pedro hurt, but helped the team get back on track. The losses made the team tougher and helped build more chemistry. Wilmore believes this is a team of destiny because they practice better, listen to their coaches, and play for one another. It showed on Friday, as the players were genuinely excited for one another when someone made a play. They are not the only players that make big plays. They have players like Destond Hall, Hunter Williams, Steven Almada, Jaylen Stewart, Edward Vaki, and Makeel Esteen. Hall, Vaki, and Esteen mainly play defense, Almada plays on the offensive line, and Williams and Stewart make plays on offense at receiver. JJ Liavaa is another player that impressed me with his playmaking and passion.

The big guys up front do a good job for the duo. They do a good job opening holes big enough to drive a truck through. In addition, they provide their quarterback with enough time to pass. Wilmore said, “The o-line contributes a lot. They listen to their coach and it shows in the game. Without them I couldn’t have rushed for over 2,200 yards and JHam can’t throw.” Hamler also highlighted the fact that they work hard in preparation for the games.

This team is young, but they are extremely hungry for a CIF championship. They have come this far and feel like they might as well finish the deal. Wilmore and Hamler both feel like the Summit win helped them get more respect but know that winning a ring will shut people up.

Good luck to Wilmore, Hamler, and the Cardinals as they travel to Lancaster this Friday to play Paraclete. With a win, they get to play in the championship game.