On Thursday Oct 30, the Poly football team faced another league opponent: the Millikan rams. This game was more than a regular game, it featured special guests and honored veterans. On the sidelines of the game was UCLA head football coach Jim Mora. In addition, senior linebacker Omari Lyles sang the national anthem a capella before the game
The Main attack for Millikan was running back Donald Gordon. However, the Poly defense held him to under 30 yards during the entire game. When Millikan threw the ball, many passes were either deflected or intercepted. Junior Kobe Williams had an interception on Millikan’s first drive, and Junior De’Andre Pierce had one later in the game.
The Poly offense had a relatively fast start, having explosive plays in both running and passing the ball. Senior running backs Jeremy Calhoun and James Brooks had significant play time, and ran the ball well.
Senior receiver Justin Calhoun had three receptions for 30 yards, and three touchdowns. Senior Iman “Biggie” Marshall showed off ball handling skills, with a 35 yard juggling touchdown catch. Going into halftime the score was 44-0, Poly leading.
The Thursday game honored veterans for their service. Players wore camouflage pants, and presented a $1000 check at halftime for the Wounded Warrior Project. The announcer introduced various veterans from each of the armed services who were also Poly alumni.
The second half of the game had a running clock, and the second string players were inserted. In the end, the Jackrabbits won by a blowout score of 57-0. This is the second shutout in the regular season, with Cabrillo being the first, 49-0.
Poly (8-1, 5-0) will have their final home game against Wilson on November 7. In the regular season finale, the senior players will be honored for their commitment, as it is Senior Night. In a classic Moore League showdown, the two oldest high schools in Long Beach will battle it out as “The Tradition Lives on.” The next games will be determined by the CIF playoff brackets. The playoff games will feature tougher competition. Some possible teams to play are St. John Bosco, Junipero Serra, and Corona Centennial. These formidable opponents are much better than the teams Poly faces in the regular season
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