Category: Sports

The Jackrabbits’ second round of the Moore League conference continued as the girls volleyball team defeated Jordan on Thursday, October 15.  Poly also played in a non-conference match against Saint Joseph High School on Saturday, October  17,  which resulted in yet another win for the Poly girls volleyball team. However, on Tuesday, October 20, the Jackrabbits took their first loss in league play against Poly’s longest rival, the Lakewood Lancers.

The Poly volleyball team swept the Jordan Panthers in three sets, even when coach Leland McGrath put in his second string players.  The girls played their game well and had a relatively good afternoon of playing.

Although the Jackrabbits faced a non-league team Saturday, October 17, the Jackrabbits still managed to come out with a shutout 3-0 win. This game gave the girls the confidence they needed as they prepared to face Lakewood again the next week after previously beating them on Thursday, September 24.

The Lakewood Lancers have only lost once to Poly in the Moore League. They, along with the Jackrabbits, both wish to ruin  each other’s records. Poly practiced hard the Monday before the game to get ready for the rivalry game the next day.  It was a game that everyone was excited to watch and the cheering sounds bounced off all four walls of the Poly gymnasium.  The stands rumbled with an overwhelming amount of Poly fans, including Poly’s student section who came out to watch the game.

The Jackrabbits came onto the court with confidence and  fought hard against their rival.  The Lancers won the first set but the Jackrabbits fought back winning the second set of the match.  Although Lakewood won the final two sets Poly fought with intensity making numerous kills and amazing digs.  Sophomore Kalyah Williams particularly stood out along with junior Penny Tusa, both of whom turned their game on when they stepped on the court. Williams and Tusa made kill after kill, which really helped to bring up the spirit of the team even when they were losing.

With scores of 25-15, 26-28, 25-20, and 25-14, Lakewood finished out with the win to tie with Poly standings.  Although the Jackrabbits lost, they knew they played hard and put their best foot forward on the court.

Poly girls volleyball is currently on a bye week, but will be back to play their next league game  on Tuesday, October 27, against Millikan.

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.

The Poly Surf team began their first year in the Sea View League with two competitions last week against Millikan and Los Alamitos.

In surfing competitions there are eight heats in which six surfers all compete in individually. The heats include four short boards in the boy’s section, one short board in the girl’s section, one long board for both divisions, and a body board heat. The home team wears red, blue, and yellow rash guard jerseys, while the away team wears orange, green, and white jerseys.

For those who may not be aware of how surfing competitions are judged, surfers compete in a heat for 15 minutes. In the time span, surfers can catch as many waves as they want, but only the top two surfers are scored. The level of surf skill is scored out of ten based on the quality of wave the surfer catches, how well the surfer rides it, and how many turns they can carry out.

The Poly Surf team commenced their first event against Millikan last Monday, October 12, at Poly’s home break in Bolsa Chica in front of tower 23. The waves on Monday proved to be a complication as they reached levels that were a couple feet above the surfer’s heads. Although the Jackrabbits lost the competition to Millikan, Poly surfers were determined to showcase their talents against Los Alamitos.

The next competition against Los Alamitos took place the next day on October 13 in Sunset Beach. This event proved to be a better round for the Jackrabbits as the competitions progressed. Los Alamitos started off by winning the first heat in the boy’s short board with a 12-9 lead leaving the Jackrabbits in second, fourth, and sixth place. Los Alamitos continued to gain higher status than the Jackrabbits in each heat until heat five of one of the boy’s short board division. Poly sophomore Ryan Love, placed first place, which raised Poly’s score by six points in that heat. Senior Chad King placed third, adding an additional four points to Poly’s score. The scores helped the Jackrabbits earn their first win in a heat. Despite this victory, Los Alamitos was still able to surf their way to the top and win the competition.

Fortunately, the two losses are not putting a dent in the Jackrabbit’s determination to get an overall win in the next competition. Senior surfer Zac Cervana hopes to “pick better waves to get the best score” for the Jackrabbits’ next competition in the Sea View League.

This spring will be the first season for the Long Beach Poly girls lacrosse team. Because of the success the boys team had in the 2014-2015 season, Poly decided to host a girls team this year.

Lacrosse is actually very similar to soccer, which  is why the new lacrosse coaches decided to recruit mainly from Poly’s soccer team. The motive of the game is to score the most goals in the small net just like soccer. Players must cradle the ball in the pocket of the lacrosse stick and are allowed to use all parts of their body except their hands to touch the ball.

“Because it’s so similar to soccer, it was easy to get the hang of it and to understand it,” said sophomore Jolani Mastrangelo.

The team began practicing last spring, but did not become official until this fall. Because of the growing popularity of the sport, a lot of girls have joined the team and be a part of it all.

“I was never really interested in lacrosse before I started practicing last year. I always saw game on TV, but I never thought I would ever get to play the sport,” said senior Imani Martin.

The team has already been practicing for some time and plays pickup scrimmages on the weekends.

“Lacrosse is really fun. I like my teammates, we always cheer each other on and help each other on the field. We have a good chemistry off the field and I hope that will carry over when we start playing games,” said    Mastrangelo.

Though this is a spring sport, the team will participate in Fall Ball, where the girls will play exhibition games with schools around the area to get ready for season.

“Lacrosse is something I really enjoy. Joining the team was fun because we’re all new to the sport and we learn a lot from each other,” said senior Emaani Stells.

The team practices on Wednesdays at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Chittick Field and is always looking for new members.

“I encourage all girls to come out and just try it. I was skeptical at first too, but I am definitely enjoying it,” said sophomore Allison Waddles.

Anyone interested in joining the girls lacrosse team may contact the coach to get information about practice times and the lax life.

The Poly boys and girls Cross Country teams won their first Moore League meet at El Dorado Park last Wednesday, September 30.

“The team was able to sweep the Moore League in all three of our Moore League races, and next race we look to do the same,” said senior Marco Montemayor.

The scorching temperatures did not stop the girls team from bringing their heat as they took the top six spots in the race. The jackrabbits Brenda Rosales led the wayby posting a time of 17:45 to claim first place. Her time beat the course record by seven seconds. Poly’s Lauren Fillipow finished second and was only one second off the course record.

“Our goal is to become closer as a team, which will hopefully lead to us running faster times.” Said senior runner Lauryn Jones. With results like these the girls  team is on track to winning their 12th consecutive Moore League title.

For the boys Cross Country team, Hugo Novoa led the jackrabbits with a first place finish with a time of 15:15. Millikan and Wilson kept the race interesting as Alex Gomes of Millikan finished 2nd and Wilson’s Christian Lubrin got 3rd. Three more jackrabbits finished in the top 10 and all runners finished in the top 15 to help Poly get the team win. The boys team is also on track to claim yet another Moore league title, making it their 9th straight title.

“Our Junior Varsity squad was able to accomplish our goal of ranking in the top 7, along with the freshman team, so they were able to earn those sweeps even in varsity didn’t get the chance to do so with a 1-7 record.” said Montemayor of the 2016 Cross Country season.

The Jackrabbits look to carry their momentum with them as they travel to Clovis  this weekend.

With everyone moving forward into their sports and studies, so are the Long Beach Poly Spirit leaders. These crazy, intellectual individuals have shown a lot of people about the true meaning of the Poly’s spirit has to offer.

“Cheerleading isn’t about looking cute in the uniform, it’s working hard like the athletic individuals cheerleaders should be,” said senior cheerleader Sydney Rita.

Every Friday during the football season, these girls show the guts and the excitement of the game.

Cheerleaders are the motivation and as the potential that the football players have and need to put the numbers on the scoreboard.

Before games on Friday at school, the cheerleaders kick it off with a rally, to present the traditional pride of Poly. “Cheerleading is a sport that brings the pride and spirit towards the school,” said junior song leader Joey Linares.

Our homecomings and senior nights are filled with the alumni from classes from the 50’s- now, to come see the love flow through the games and traditional spirit that started over 100 years ago. To see old members of cheerleaders come in their old uniforms. To know you’re never too old to have spirit and Poly pride.

The Poly football team began Moore League games with two sizable wins over Cabrillo and Wilson High Schools after a 2-1 record in the preseason.

The Jackrabbits started their Moore League opener at Wilson High School against the Bruins. In front of a sell-out crowd, the Jackrabbits and Bruins continued the long-standing city rivalry. The Bruins held a close score through two quarters, but Poly pulled away late in the game to win 67-30.

To much surprise, the Bruins took an early 7-0 lead after an interception by junior quarterback Nolan McDonald. Sophomore running back Michael Mauai swiftly answered with a 15-yard touchdown to put the Jackrabbits in front 8-7. Senior quarterback Malik Henry ran in a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to senior receiver Jack Jones to keep Poly ahead.

Entering halftime, the team had a close 20-14 lead over the Bruins.

The Jackrabbits commanded the game in the second half, outscoring the Bruins 47-16. The points included two more touchdown receptions from Jones, and sophomore return specialist Malachi Tolliver’s two kickoff return touchdowns. This was Tolliver’s first varsity game, after being moved from JV. Jones continued his All-American season totaling 7 receptions for 160 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Bruins.

Junior linebacker Josh Brown had another strong defensive performance this season, with 13 tackles and 2 tackles for loss against Wilson. Other Jackrabbits contributed to the stout defense, including senior defensive lineman Jason Nettles totaling five sacks and senior safety De’Andre Pierce with one sack. Brown credits his performances against Cabrillo and Wilson to his other defensive teammates

Through the season, the team utilizes a two-quarterback system, giving McDonald and Henry equal playing time. McDonald finished the night with 5/9 passing for 130 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, while senior quarterback Malik Henry completed 8 of 15 passes, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

On October 2, the Jackrabbits won their home opener in convincing fashion against the Cabrillo Jaguars 73-7. The team has started a new tradition of wearing all black to the homecoming game, this year was no different.

Despite two blowout games against league opponents, players know there is much to improve.

“We have to play better against De La Salle,”

The team is preparing for the next league game against Compton, but also looking forward to the De La Salle game in Northern California. The football powerhouses have faced twice before, with De La Salle winning both games.

Many teams have struggled stopping the heavy rushing attack the De La Salle offense features.

“We need to tackle every guy that moves,” said Jones. The team will face more Moore League opponents after De La Salle.

New to campus this year, the Long Beach Poly Surf Team will make its debut in the upcoming weeks.

Started by senior students Chad King, Isaac Nelson, and Eileen Sok, the trio enlisted Mr. Montooth, the government and economics teacher at Poly, to coach the team. Mr. Manack is the human geography and environmental science teacher at Poly as well, and will serve as the co-coach of the team.

Many people think of the Surf Team as just a club, but it’s a sports team just like any other team on campus that students can get P.E. credit for. Surf Team practice takes place during zero period at Bolsa Chica State Beach where team members prepare for upcoming competitions in the Sea View League.

“We’re just starting out and we’ve actually been surfing in the water for the past three weeks. It’s still very early. I’m getting to know my surfers and their strengths,” said Montooth, when asked on what improvements he’d like the team to make.

When the Surf Team begins to compete, they’ll go against other teams including Wilson, Mater Dei, and Los Alamitos. In total, there will be six schools who will compete in the league. These competitions will take place before school during the week. Poly’s home competition will be at Bolsa Chica, but other schools have their home break, the event site, at locations close as Sunset Beach, and even as far as Newport Beach.

When asked on what she likes about being on the Surf Team, senior, Herran Daniel, says that, “It’s a fun thing to do and the people are really nice. The team is supportive and it’s a positive environment.”

Senior quarterback Malik Henry was awarded his Under Armour All-American jersey presentation September 23 during a lunchtime assembly for his selection to play as a quarterback in the elite game.

The Under Armour All-American football game takes the best high school players throughout the country and brings them together to showcase their talent on the field in front of a national audience. The 69 players are chosen through ESPN’s recruiting process, and Poly’s own Malik Henry, a 5-star recruit and Florida State University commit, made this year’s team.

Former players awarded with this honor of being invited to the game include Poly’s very own Iman Marshall last year.

The All-Americans are flown to Florida and have only 5 days to practice and interact with one another before playing a game five days later, but when you’re dealing with some of the best that doesn’t seem to be a problem.

“We aren’t the best for nothing,” Henry said when addressing the limited practice time. Other quarterbacks selected for the game include Palmetto’s Jack Allison, Glendora’s Matt Fink, Bullis’s Dwayne Haskins Jr., and Calvary Baptist Academy’s Shea Patterson who will all have one quarter to play to show what they are each made of.

Malik is eager to have a part in carrying on Poly’s longstanding tradition of excelling athletics, so when it came to selecting a school for his senior year of high school, the choice was simple.

“I really liked Poly’s tradition of football and the strong fan base here and that’s what I want to play in front of,” Henry noted.

Be sure to tune into to Under Armor All-American game to see Malik Henry on January 2, 2016. in Orlando, Florida broadcasted live on ESPN2.

On Thursday, September 25 Lakewood’s gym was booming with excitement and cheering from opposite sides of the stands as the long-time rivals, the Lakewood Lancers and Poly Jackrabbits girls volleyball teams, faced off for the first time in the 2015-2016 Moore league season.  Along with this game, the Poly girls played Millikan in Poly’s gym on Thursday, October 1.

The Jackrabbits practiced hard all week for the long-awaited game against their old rivals.  The Poly girls fought hard against the Lancers, with a 3-2 win.  The Poly fans jumped and yelled along with the girls after a hard battle.  This was a memorable win for the girls considering that the Poly girls volleyball team hadn’t defeated them since 2012.

“It was a team effort and we all stuck together through the whole match supporting each other,” said libero Franny Camandang.

Though the team worked efficiently together a few girls stood out in the match.  Senior Sammie Ah-Hong and junior Penny Tusa had a great day starting off with some amazing kills in the first set that put Poly ahead of Lakewood.  With scores of 25-19, 22-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-9, the Jackrabbits shook hands with the Lakewood girls and head their heads high as they pushed the next team out of their way towards CIF playoffs.

“You had to be there to feel the heat and competitiveness of the game.  It was one to remember,” said senior Madi Hectus.

The Jackrabbits also faced the Millikan Rams on Thursday, October 1.  Millikan’s team showed some strength but Poly pulled out the win in 3 sets easily.  The back row definitely helped the team pull out the win along with hitters Sammie Ah-Hong, Penny Tusa, and Kalyah Williams leading in the front row.  Coach Leland McGrath also put in his 2nd and 3rd string players to give them court time because the Jackrabbits had a strong lead on the Rams.

In addition, the Jackrabbits played Long Beach Wilson on Tuesday, October 6 pulling out another win and managing to sustain their undefeated Moore League record so far.  Poly took the first set against the Bruins then Wilson came back in the second set pulling out a win with a score of 25-17.  The Jackrabbits came back to win the last two sets before beating their old-time rival.

The jackrabbits will continue in their Moore League season Thursday, October 8 against the  Compton Tar Babes and will continue going into round two against Cabrillo Tuesday, October 13.

Boys water polo has had a rough start to the beginning of their season, with a overall record of 0-4 as of Wednesday, September 23.

Most recently boys water polo traveled to Irvine, playing Irvine High School on Tuesday, September 22.

Throughout the first three quarters,  the boys were able to get a total of four goals past Irvine, with two from senior Brody Wells and two from junior Jack Calhoun.

Despite their efforts, it was a deep end struggle for the Jackrabbits, who gave up a total of thirteen goals.

Even though Calhoun was able to up the score for the Jackrabbits with two more consecutive goals in the fourth quarter, the Jackrabbits took the loss with the final score of 13-6.

“I tried to spark the offense,” said Calhoun. “But it just wasn’t enough.”

Before they took on Irvine, the boys went against Crespi High School, on Thursday, September 17. With a mainly junior-sophmore team, the Jackrabbit’s offense was not able to get past Crespi’s defense,  losing 15-7.

Two days before, Tuesday September 15,  Poly suffered yet another devastating loss, falling to University High School with final score of 13-7.

As their first game of the season, the boys faced Fountain Valley High School on Thursday, September 10. Even though the Jackrabbits were able to put five goals up on the scoreboard, they were not able to match Valley Fountain’s 21 goals.

“We need to try to coordinate our defense better and start working harder at practice,” said junior goalie Andrew Moskovitz.

The boys have their first Moore League game against Lakewood, on Wednesday, October 7th at 6 PM at the Cabrillo Aquatic Center.

The girls tennis teams has been moving forward into the season.

They are striving to have intense workouts and practices in order to be the best that they can possibly be.

Tennis coach Ricardo Montecinos is an excellent teacher and motivator for the tennis team.

He sees the potential in each player regardless of whether the athlete is big or small, girl or boy, and he encourages them to be able to work hard and dedicate themselves in every game and practice.

The old saying is “practice makes perfect.” What players do at practice affects what they bring to the stage, court, or field.

Their upcoming match is on October 29, when the girls will bring forth Poly pride and determination to take the title as champions on the court.

“We’re looking forward to winning the Moore League title and beating Wilson all over again,” said senior Jasmine Roberts.

The girls tennis Moore League Doubles will be located at El Dorado Park. This year, the girls will certainly conquer and overcome obstacles along the way.

“I’m looking forward to playing Millikan and Wilson because they are going to be a tough match,” said senior Amani Lyles.