On Friday, October 9, the Jackrabbits returned to Vets Stadium to fight against Compton High School. Coming off of a nasty 99-9 win against Compton last year, the Jackrabbits expected nothing less than victory going into the game. Compton fought harder than last year, but Poly still left victorious with a score of 48-6. Although Compton scored towards the end of the fourth quarter, it didn’t match the 42 points that Poly won in the first half. The football team hoped this win would carry over to next week but, unfortunately, the next game against De La Salle would prove to be much more of a challenge than Compton.
The Jackrabbits endured many roadblocks on their way to Northern California to take on the nationally ranked Concord De La Salle Spartans, but none proved as difficult as the game itself on Friday night. It was a highly anticipated game and rematch of the 2001 national championship game where De La Salle upset Poly.
Poly came out fired up and senior Davir Hamilton recovered a fumble on their first defensive possession. Unfortunately, the Jackrabbits struggled to move the ball and were forced to punt after three plays. Poly managed to get another fumble recovery, but came up empty handed again. According to junior linebacker Josh Brown, Poly came out ready to play and was pleased with their defensive intensity that caused De La Salle’s fumbles.
De Le Salle got things moving on their next offensive drive when quarterback Anthony Sweeney connected with All-American tight end Devin Asiasi for their first touchdown. Poly responded as they moved the ball down the field, but the drive ended when they were unable to convert on 4th and inches. The Spartans were able to capitalize on Poly’s turnover and scored on just 4 plays to take a 14-0 lead. Poly continued to hurt themselves when the Jackrabbits were called for a holding penalty that led to a safety for De La Salle. The Spartans used that momentum to score on the next offensive series when Sweeney connected again with Asiasi. Poly ended the half on a positive note when junior Aaron Shampklin returned the kickoff for 65 yards, which snapped the Spartans record of 12 quarters without giving up a touchdown. That Jackrabbit touchdown cut the deficit to 22-6.
Despite being down by 16 points to start the 3rd quarter, the Jackrabbits were hopeful they could get a defensive stop, but the Spartans had other plans. De La Salle scored on a seven minute and 18 play drive that squashed Poly’s hope for a comeback. With a running clock in the 4th quarter, Poly was unable to get anything going offensively and lost 52-6.
“There were some positives we can take from this game and build on for the rest of the season heading into playoffs,” junior safety said Josh Talbot.
Poly will host the Lakewood Lancers this Friday, October 23 at Vets Stadium. Be sure to come and watch the Jackrabbits fight to keep their first place position in Moore League.
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