AKEWOOD, CA--The formative years of a football player occurs during his time of Pop Warner competition. During the era of the 1960's, it wasn't any less prevalent than it is today for kids who chase the dream of becoming a star on the gridiron. The Bantam Bulldogs of Lakewood in the mid-60's assembled an undefeated squad, who would later go on to play for coach John Ford's Lancers.

In 1965, the Pop Warner Bantam Division Bulldogs defeated Baldwin Hills, defending champion of the King Conference, 42-0. This completed a perfect season for the Bulldogs, who scored 282 points to their opponents 51. The Bulldogs were the first team ever from Lakewood to go undefeated.

TD's were scored by passing from Eric Shiffer to Jay Ardizzone, Rick Pyatt, Gary Schwenn and Steve Thompson. Other TD's were made by Eric Shiffer, Gary Schwenn and Don Richardson.

Don Richardson intercepted a pass and ran 60 yards for his touchdown. Rick Pyatt also made an interception. Dick Miller and Jim Thompson recovered fumbles.

Extra points were scored by Jim Horton (2), Rick Pyatt, Eric Shiffer, John Taylor and Steve Thompson.

Baldwin Hills made only three first downs during the entire game.

Immediately following the game, the championship trophy was presented to the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs qualified to play in a bowl game where they defeated the state champions from Hawaii. This would be the biggest game of their young lives and one of many other big games to come through out their high school football careers. The following is a roster that lists a group of talented players who later became All-League standouts at Lakewood High:

Coaches: Coach B. Benjamin, *Coach Ray Coldiron, Coach Bud Meyers and Coach Tex Reynolds.

Players: Dave Smith, Jim Poland, Tom Knudson, Ken Clegg, Marshall McKinsey, Jim Horton, Eric Shiffer, Don Richardson, Bob Uribe, Dick Miller, Scott Livermore, Jim Thompson, Jay Ardizzone, Gary Schwenn, Rick Pyatt, Steve Thompson, Aaron Alvitz, Jerry Ashcraft, Romon Polin, Jeff Forgan, John Taylor, Steve Tadla, Bell Maxbell, Jack Bennett, John Oliver, Pat Moore, John Wilkins and Jim Wilkins.

*Coach Ray Coldiron coached the Lakewood High JV team the following year.