John W. Davis
Verified- Sports Reporter and Local Sports Editor, Press-Telegram
- LA Sparks Beat Reporter, Los Angeles Daily News
Long Beach
Sports Reporter covering the LA Sparks, HS Sports and Marathons for Southern California News Group | @CMUniversity & @NewhouseSU alum | Journalism Professor
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Articles by John W. Davis
Wilson boys water polo team being investigated for hazing incident, forfeits game
LONG BEACH — The Wilson High School boys water polo team is being investigated for a hazing incident during an out-of-town tournament last weekend, according to the Long Beach Unified School District. An email sent to parents in the Wilson water polo program by head coach Zac Polmanteer said some athletes were hurt after being physically struck by their teammates. It was described as humiliating and physically harmful acts that were shocking and unacceptable.
Santa Margarita vs. St. John Bosco leads Week 8’s top football games
The teams are listed by their spot in this week’s Press-Telegram high school football Top 10 rankings. Analysis: Santa Margarita is coming off a 27-3 victory over Servite. Eagles sophomore running back Adrian Petero ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. However, junior quarterback Fletch Palmer threw two interceptions. St. John Bosco is coming off a 28-14 victory over Orange Lutheran, with junior quarterback Koa Malau’ulu throwing two touchdowns.
Wilson’s Audrey Buckley earns statement win at Moore League meet
LONG BEACH — Audrey Buckley wanted to feel like she earned it this time. The Wilson senior did so emphatically, winning the Moore League girls cross country cluster meet by nearly 25 seconds at El Dorado Park Wednesday night. Buckley won in 17 minutes and 16 seconds on the flat, fast 3-mile course. She also finished first at the prior league race at Heartwell Park on Sept. 30, but only after the leader ran off course in the later stages of the race and had to double back.
Long Beach Poly girls volleyball wins fourth straight Moore League title
LONG BEACH — The Long Beach Poly girls volleyball team has been building to this moment for several years, according to coach Gerald Aquiningoc. Poly defeated rival Millikan in three sets Tuesday, 25-10, 25-19, 25-22, to secure the program’s fourth consecutive Moore League title. The Jackrabbits improved to 24-7 overall and 8-0 in the Moore League. They went 24-0 in sets in league. “Winning four straight Moore League championships is incredibly special for our program,” Aquiningoc said.
St. John Bosco football’s offense primed for league clash with Santa Margarita
St. John Bosco junior quarterback Koa Malau’ulu will look to continue his stellar play Friday night when the Braves host Santa Margarita in a Trinity League showdown. The Braves, who are 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the Trinity League, have averaged 45 points a game over their past four games. Malau’ulu, in his third year as a starter for the Braves, is 3-0 against Santa Margarita in his career. As a freshman, Malau’ulu’s rushing touchdown led the Braves to a 13-0 win over the Eagles in league play.
Press-Telegram Girls Athlete of the Week: Nevaeh Johnson, Long Beach Poly
Noteworthy: The sophomore had two touchdowns in Long Beach Poly’s 31-6 win against Millikan in a Moore League game last week. Johnson’s big game helped the Jackrabbits secure the program’s fourth consecutive league title. • Long Beach Poly’s Nevaeh Johnson scores against Millikan High School during a Moore League title game in Long Beach on Monday, October 5, 2026. (Photo by Drew A.
Press-Telegram Boys Athlete of the Week: Jeron Johnson II, Long Beach Poly
Noteworthy: The senior running back scored four touchdowns in Long Beach Poly’s 44-0 win against Wilson in a Moore League game on Saturday, Oct. 10. Johnson’s 14-yard touchdown catch and 2-point conversion put the Jackrabbits up 15-0 at halftime. Johnson’s final three carries of the game went for touchdowns in the second half. • Long Beach Poly’s Jeron Johnson II (9) carries against Yorba Linda in a non-league game at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach on Friday August 28, 2026.
Press-Telegram high school football schedule for Week 8 games, Oct. 15-17
The high school football schedule for this week's local games on Oct. 15-16.
Press-Telegram Boys Athlete of the Week: Hector Diaz, Millikan
Noteworthy: The senior won the first Moore League cross county race at Heartwell Park in Long Beach on Sept. 30. Diaz ran 15:23 over 3 miles and also led Millikan to a team victory over Wilson, Poly and Lakewood. • Millikan’s Hector Diaz, Wilson’s Audrey Buckley lead the way at Moore League meet
Offense gives St. John Bosco football strong start in Trinity League
The St. John Bosco football team showed why they are one of the Trinity League’s top teams with a 40-14 home win over JSerra on Oct. 2. Bosco dismantled JSerra in the first half and led 34-0 at halftime. The Braves racked up 546 yards of total offense, including 321 rushing. They improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the Trinity League. JSerra dropped to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in league play.
Press-Telegram high school football schedule for Week 7 games, Oct. 8-10
The high school football schedule for this week's local games on Oct. 8-10.
Press-Telegram football: Previews and predictions for Week 6’s top games
The teams are listed by their spot this week in the Press-Telegram Top 10 rankings. Analysis: Both teams are on four-game win streaks and were off last week to prepare for this Trinity League opener. St. John Bosco junior quarterback Koa Malau’ulu has thrown 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. Sophomore receiver Kuika Moaali, a 6-foot-4, first-year starter, has a team-high 42 catches for 366 yards and seven touchdowns.
Long Beach Wilson football still focused on winning Moore League title
LONG BEACH — The Wilson football team does not lack confidence. That belief is backed up by preparation and rooted in trying to constantly improve. “Our mantra here is let’s be better than yesterday,” Wilson second-year coach Raudric Curtis said. Wilson (1-5) earned its first victory of the season last week with a resounding 41-7 win over Compton in a nonleague game.
Press-Telegram Boys Athlete of the Week: Jemel Grigsby, Wilson
Noteworthy: The junior scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) in Wilson’s 41-7 win against Compton last week. Grigsby had 211 total yards of offense, including 139 rushing yards. Wilson (1-5) and will play at Jordan on Friday in a Moore League opener. • Wilson’s Jemel Grigsby runs the ball for a gain during Friday’s nonleague game against Compton at Compton High School on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Press-Telegram high school football schedule for Week 6 games, Oct. 1-3
The Press-Telegram high school football schedule for the Week 6 games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-3.
Football previews: Wilson vs. Compton leads Week 5’s top games
Analysis: Wilson, the defending Moore League champions, are still searching for the program’s first win this season. The Bruins are coming off a 59-14 home loss against Villa Park last week and dropped games to Dana Hills, Huntington Beach, JSerra and Mayfair in prior weeks. That difficult nonleague schedule should have them prepared to face Compton and hungry for a win.
Warren QB Jordan Malikin leads players to watch when league play begins
Warren senior quarterback Jordan Malikin is on a mission to show that he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the CIF Southern Section. Malikin, a two-year starter, has completed 96 of 141 passes for 1,536 yards and an area-leading 24 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He passed for a season-high seven touchdowns in a loss to Culver City 54-51 in double overtime last week. In five games, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound signal caller has already surpassed his total of 15 touchdown passes as a junior.
Press-Telegram Boys Athlete of the Week: Edward Rivera, Compton
Noteworthy: The senior scored three touchdowns, two rushing, one receiving in Compton’s 34-6 road win against Narbonne last week. Rivera had 210 toyal yards of offense, including 171 rushing and 39 receiving. Compton is 5-0 and will host former Moore League rival Wilson on Friday.
Press-Telegram Girls Athlete of the Week: McKennah Iamaleava, Long Beach Poly
Noteworthy: The outside hitter had seven kills, four aces, five blocks and six digs in Long Beach Poly’s 3-0 victory over Millikan in a game for first place in the Moore League on Sept. 15. Iamaleava, a UC Irvine commit, was the Press-Telegram Girls Volleyball Player of the Year last season.
Press-Telegram high school football schedule for Week 5 games, Sept. 24-25
The Press-Telegram high school football schedule for the Week 5 games to be played Thursday, Sept. 24 and Friday, Sept. 25. Note: Week 5 is traditionally the time of year when many teams have a bye to prepare for league play.
Preview: Long Beach Poly football vs. Inglewood leads Week 4’s top games
Previews and predictions for the top high school football games in the Long Beach area this week. The teams are listed by their ranking in the Press-Telegram Top 10. Analysis: Junior quarterback Ace Fa’agata completed 14 of 21 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Long Beach Poly’s 17-14 loss against Carson in a nonleague game at Cabrillo High on Sept. 11. Senior receiver Jayden Coley had eight receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown.
Bellflower football’s Class of 2030 is already making a big impact
Bellflower football coach Keith Miller is building for the future. In fact, the team’s leading receiver and leading rusher are both freshmen. Freshman receiver Keondre Smith has 32 receptions for 505 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman running back Kevin Cuba III has run for 330 yards and four touchdowns on 56 carries. Bellflower improved to 2-2 overall after a dominant 58-7 victory against Whittier on Sept. 10.
Press-Telegram Boys Athlete of the Week: E’Lacion Saxton, Bellflower
Noteworthy: The senior completed 19 of 26 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns in Bellflower’s 58-7 victory against Whittier on Thursday, Sept. 10. Saxton also ran for 50 yards and two touchdowns. The first-year starter has thrown 11 touchdown passes and only two interceptions this season. • Bellflower quarterback Elacion Saxton (5) throws a pass as they play Whittier in their non-league football game at Pioneer High School in Whittier on Thursday September 10, 2026.
Press-Telegram football: Schedule for Week 4 games, Sept. 17-19
The Press-Telegram high school football schedule for the Week 4 games that will be played Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 17-19.
Warren, Compton, La Mirada and Glenn football teams still undefeated
The Warren football team is averaging 40 points per game in its third season under head coach Adam Leonard. The Bears went 6-8 overall in Leonard’s first season and lost to Rio Hondo Prep in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 championship game. Warren went 4-8 in Leonard’s second season and lost to Valley Christian in the Division 9 quarterfinals. This season Warren is off to a 3-0 start with victories against Serrano, Scripps Ranch and South Gate.
Press-Telegram football: Previews and predictions for Week 3’s top games
Previews and predictions for the top high school football games in the Long Beach area this week. The teams are listed by their ranking in the Press-Telegram Top 10. Analysis: Long Beach Poly is coming off a 16-13 road loss against Tustin on Sept. 4. The Jackrabbits are on a two-game losing streak heading into a local showdown against Carson, the defending CIF-Los Angeles City Section Open Division champions.
High school football: Press-Telegram schedule for Week 3, Sept. 10-12
The Press-Telegram high school football schedule for the Week 3 games that will be played Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 10-12.
Press-Telegram Boys Athlete of the Week: Chase Watkins, Downey
Noteworthy: The sophomore completed 11 of 13 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns in Downey’s 39-10 victory against Millikan on Friday, Sept. 4. Watkins also ran for 47 yards and one touchdown on six carries. The first-year starter has thrown five touchdowns and only one interception in three games this season.
Press-Telegram football: Previews and predictions for Week 2’s top games
Previews and predictions for the top high school football games in the Long Beach area this week. The teams are listed by their ranking in the Press-Telegram Top 10. No. 8 Millikan (0-2) vs. No. 4 Downey (0-2) Analysis: This is the only local game between two programs currently ranked in the Press-Telegram Top 10. Millikan is coming off a 28-7 road loss to Loyola last week. The Rams have only scored 21 points all season.
Wilson football has 100 reasons to celebrate this week
LONG BEACH — The third game of the season for the Wilson football team will be extra special on Friday, Sept. 4. The Bruins are celebrating Wilson High School’s 100th anniversary during the team’s home opener against an undefeated Huntington Beach team, led by Ohio State quarterback commit Brady Edmunds. The two squads squared off 100 years ago, according to school historians. Wilson is 0-2 this season with losses to Mayfair and JSerra.
Press-Telegram Girls Athlete of the Week: Shamiah Gibson, Compton
Noteworthy: The quarterback had three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in Compton’s 25-0 victory against rival Centennial in the program’s first Hub City League game on Aug. 26. Gibson completed 15 of 20 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. She also ran for 61 yards and one touchdown on five carries. The junior followed that game up by completing 25 of 31 passes for 313 yards and four touchdowns in Compton’s 35-0 victory against Hawthorne in a nonleague game on Aug.
Press-Telegram football: Schedule for Week 2 games, Sept. 3-5
The dates, times and locations for all the Week 2 games for the Long Beach area high school football teams.
Long Beach Poly football ready for ‘bittersweet’ last game at Veterans Stadium
LONG BEACH — Travon Patterson has fond memories of playing high school football at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach. The stadium opened in 1950 and has long been the home of the Long Beach City College and Long Beach Poly football programs. “It meant a lot to us,” Patterson recalled. “Coming into Poly, prior to coming to Poly, matter of fact, I used to go to the high school games seeing Long Beach Poly play at Veterans Stadium.
Press-Telegram girls flag football Top 10 rankings, Aug. 28
The Press-Telegram’s girls flag football rankings as of Friday, Aug. 28. Notable this week: St. Joseph (6-0) is ranked No. 1 in the initial Press-Telegram girls flag football rankings. The Jesters have outscored their opponents by a 187-38 margin. … St. Joseph is the only local program to have ever been in Division 1 for the CIF Southern Section playoffs. Senior quarterback Lexi Loya, a four-year starter, leads the Jesters.
Mayfair, Wilson show high-scoring ability early in football season
The Mayfair football team had an impressive nonleague victory against Wilson, the reigning Moore League champions, to kick off the high school season last week. The Monsoons, who went 4-7 overall in 2025, defeated the Bruins in a high-scoring game, 41-40. There were numerous standouts in the contest, and if nothing else, it gave both teams reason to be confident this season about their ability to score points.
Press-Telegram Boys Athlete of the Week: Sammy Timu, Long Beach Poly
Noteworthy: The junior scored Long Beach Poly’s first touchdown of the season on a fumble returned and added two sacks. Timu played offensive line and defensive line all night in Poly’s 24-7 victory against Downey in a season opener on Aug. 21. • Long Beach Poly’s Sammy Timu scores on an interception in the first quarter as Poly defeats Downey in a non-league game and season opener for both teams on Friday August 21, 2026.
Press-Telegram Girls Athlete of the Week: Jaclynn Brennan, St. Joseph
Noteworthy: The receiver had four receptions for 98 yards and three touchdowns in St. Joseph’s 33-0 win against Mira Costa on Aug. 19. Brennan also had two receptions for 9 yards and one touchdown against in St. Joseph’s 34-6 victory against Cypress on Aug. 17. She returned an interception 35 yards while playing safety against the Centurions. St. Joseph went 2-0 last week and is undefeated (5-0) after the first two weeks of the season.
Press-Telegram football: Schedule for the Week 1 games, Aug. 27-29
The dates, times and locations for all the Week 1 games for the Long Beach area high school football teams.
St. John Bosco football’s late comeback fall short in loss to Bishop Gorman
LAS VEGAS — The No. 1-ranked St. John Bosco football team found itself down 21-0 at halftime against No. 2-ranked Bishop Gorman, but they did not throw in the towel. Bosco fought back and tied the game at 28 early in the fourth quarter on a 40-yard punt return for a touchdown by junior DJ Tubbs, which was aired live on the MaxPreps YouTube page.
Press-Telegram football: Previews and predictions for Friday’s Week 0 games
Previews and predictions for the top high school football games in the area Friday. Long Beach Poly at Downey, 7 p.m.: The Vikings will have the home field advantage, but the Jackrabbits have home run speed in the backfield. If Poly can establish a strong running game and limit self-inflicted penalties and turnovers, it should begin the season 1-0 for the first time since 2023.
Millikan football’s Jonah Tuaniga confident entering Year 2 as team’s QB
LONG BEACH — After he unexpectedly became the starter for Millikan’s football team as a freshman, Jonah Tuaniga believes he is now well-prepared for his sophomore season. “One thing for sure,” Tuaniga said, “is I’ve got a lot more confidence this past offseason.” Tuaniga put up stats that any quarterback would be proud of, especially as an underclassman. He completed 123 of 204 attempts for 1,995 yards, 29 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Press-Telegram football: Previews for Thursday’s top Week 0 games
Previews and predictions for the top high school football games in the area Thursday. Huntington Beach at Millikan, 7 p.m.: The Rams will be tested in their season opener at home against a talented Huntington Beach team. Millikan sophomore quarterback Jonah Tuaniga will get his first opportunity to show how much he has improved since becoming the starter as a freshman. Millikan’s defense allowed 20 or more points in only four of 11 games last season.
Press-Telegram’s high school football games and players to watch in Week 0
Notes and insights for Week 0 of the high school football season: 1. St. John Bosco at Bishop Gorman: The matchup is being heralded as the No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup by MaxPreps, which will air the game live on Friday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Bishop Gorman (1-0) won its season opener 41-0 against Somerset Academy Losee on Aug. 14, which allowed them to shake off any first-game jitters.
Press-Telegram football preview: St. John Bosco ranked No. 1 in Top 10
1. St. John Bosco: The Braves went 9-2 last season and shared the Trinity League title with Santa Margarita and Mater Dei. They lost to Orange Lutheran in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs and ended the season on a two-game losing streak. However, Bosco is always an uber-talented team led by coach Jason Negro and this season is no exception. The Braves are the Press-Telegram’s No. 1 team right now. Bosco is also the preseason No. 1 team in the nation, according to MaxPreps.
Press-Telegram football: Schedule for the Week 0 games, Aug. 20-22
The dates, times and locations for all the Week 0 games for the Long Beach area high school football teams.
Long Beach Poly football seeking first Moore League title since 2023
LONG BEACH — Long Beach Poly football coach Travon Patterson said his transition to leading his alma mater, which is one of the most storied high school football programs in the nation, has been pretty easy. “I have a supportive coaching staff who’s been behind me,” said Patterson, a first-year head coach who played receiver at Poly under coach Raul Lara before playing at USC and Colorado. “I’ve got the kids bought in to what we’re trying to do here. They come and compete each and every day.
Millikan football seeking redemption, Moore League title in 2026
LONG BEACH — Millikan football coach Romeo Pellum is not shy about his team’s redemption tour and potential for an explosive offense. “I guarantee you this year we will get back to who we are,” Pellum said. The Rams finished 3-8 overall last season, including forfeiting their first two wins due to ineligible players.
Wilson football aiming for back-to-back Moore League titles in 2026
LONG BEACH — Wilson football still has a lot to prove in coach Raudric Curtis’ second season. Naysayers could call the Bruins’ undefeated Moore League title in 2025 a fluke, won only because Long Beach Poly and Millikan were not at full strength. “If you want to beat us,” Curtis said, “you better beat us on the field.” Curtis says Wilson, which went 9-2 overall and 6-0 in league play last season, is trying to build a sustained identity. “We want a culture at Wilson,” Curtis said.
Lakewood football’s identity rooted in preparation and discipline
LAKEWOOD — The Lakewood football team will have a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2023, but senior Aidan Kautsky believes he’s up to the task. Kautsky, a 6-foot-2 quarterback who also plays pitcher and outfielder on the school’s baseball team, backed up dual-threat Kade Casillas, who started for the past three seasons and recently committed to play football at Compton College. “It’s the next man up,” said Kautsky before his second year ever playing quarterback.
Former NFL player Rashaad Penny wants to give back as Jordan’s football coach
LONG BEACH — Former NFL running back Raashad Penny said he’s excited to be Jordan’s new football coach because it’s an opportunity to give back to the next generation of student-athletes. “That was kind of in me since high school,” said Penny, who scored more than 100 touchdowns as a double-wing running back before graduating from Norwalk High in 2014 and playing college football at San Diego State.
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