By Lucio Arellano

We sat down with the late, legendary coach John Ford at his home as he shared his personal experience and perceptions of the way Lakewood football is meant to be played. And that is through hard work, commitment and dedication by all who desire to be a Lancer, be it as a coach or a player.

Q: You coached at Lakewood for many years. What kept you motivated all that time?

Ford: "It seemd that I came at a very good time as the community was really interested in football. The draw pool was huge as we had 4200 kids attending our school. Also, the community really came out to support us. The crowds were so big that we had to play at Vet's Stadium."

Ford: "Millikan."

Q: Was there a specific game you remember the most?

Ford: "First year we beat Millikan, we enjoyed having that trophy."

Q: Is there one play in which you remember fondly from your coaching career?

Ford: "Not really, but I enjoyed pass plays being a former quarterback. This thrilled me."

Q: Which was your favorite year at Lakewood?

Ford: "All my years at Lakewood were special."

Ford: "These guys were the best!!! Woolbright I had talked into coming from college football. Collins was great and fresh out of college. Gillies had been at the school from the beginning, and Stephenson knew his stuff as well as any college football coach."

Q: Do you still keep in touch with any of your former players?

Ford: "Yes. I keep in touch with many players. They call me or come by the house. I love seeing and hearing from them."

Q: Can you describe what it was like winning the 1966 Moore League title?

Ford: "I had been there three years, beating Poly was a really big deal to me. We had never won this before..."

Q: What are your thoughts on the Lakewood-Millikan rivalry?

Ford: "Millikan was a great team, and we enjoyed the rivalry!! We never knew who would win. It was always a coin toss. I would always say during our cheer rallys, "we're gonna show up," "we're ready."

Q: What is your definition of a Lakewood football player?

Ford: "This would be a disciplined player. I made them keep their hair short year around. They must always be on time. They can never miss a practice unless someone in the family had a funeral, and it better be yours. Always call an adult "sir" or "ma'am." No cusing or swearing. A lot of guys had to do hit'em ups for that. It is my hope that these disciplines stayed with my players throughout their lives."

"I loved all my players and students.
They are all very special to me."

John T. Ford
1927-2006