The Long Beach Poly football team ended their season on Friday, Nov. 28 when they lost to St. John Bosco 33-21. The team finished 11-2, with another undefeated Moore League record.
After a nail-biting 34-33 win against Servite in the first round, the team prepared to face Crespi High School. The Celts favored running the ball the entire season. Their veer offense used three running backs, and seldom passing. While most teams had difficulty defending the veer, Poly solidly shut it down.
Poly had difficulty adjusting to the veer in the first half. The Celts appeared to march down the ball with ease, scoring time-consuming touchdowns. Josh Love was getting pressured. Entering halftime, Crespi led 21-13.
The second half of the game was all in favor of Poly. Poly outscored the Celts 31-6 in this half. The Jackrabbits took advantage of the Celts’ cover 0 defense, allowing for deep yardage plays. Poly bullied the Celts in the second half, both on the ground and in the air.
After beating Crespi, the team upheld their tradition of practicing on Thanksgiving. This tradition signifies that the team is deep enough in the playoffs to compete afterwards. They prepared to face St. John Bosco High School, the defending national champions. However, the Braves were seeking redemption from losing to Poly two years ago. The “Fog Bowl” resulted with Poly winning 13-10.
The two teams faced at Cerritos College on Friday, Nov. 28. With all the hype surrounding the game in front of a sellout crowd the Jackrabbits got off to a quick start. After some quick defensive stops, Josh Love completed a deep touchdown pass to senior receiver Johnnie Rucker, putting Poly up 7-0. After going back and forth, Bosco led at halftime 20-14. Mistakes hurt the Jackrabbits, with a pick-six and muffed punt.
Poly’s second half was a struggle. With Love sidelined with injury, the team could not generate enough offense to win. With just a single touchdown in the second half, Bosco won 33-21.
“It just didn’t go our way. I wish I had another shot,” said senior quarterback Josh Love.
Currently, the football team is in off season practicing and conditioning. During the spring time, the team will have practices more focused to get ready for next season.
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