Tag: football

  • Fans Enjoy Big Win for Homecoming

    Fans Enjoy Big Win for Homecoming

    Homecoming week ended with a bang for Poly High School last week, as they beat Wilson High at Veterans Stadium on October 1.

    The kickoff of the game was at 7 p.m., and there was an overwhelming amount of students ready to show support for their school from both sides. Not even three minutes in, Poly scored against the Bruins. In the end, The score was 45-6 in favor of Poly.

    One of the real stars of the game was Poly’s quarterback Shea Kuykendall, who rushed for two touchdowns, and also threw two touchdown passes that led the Jackrabbits to victory.

    The student section and cheer squad were loud and even had a moment with the football team, who was across the field. From throwing beach balls, to t- shirt cannons, it was a great day to be a Jackrabbit. When “Don’t Stop Believin’” played, many in the stands turned on their flashlights and waved them at the players, and some of the players turned their’s on right back!

    After the win, the football team came and danced with Poly’s student section as well. It was a truly touching moment for Poly students and staff. After not having a Wilson vs. Polygame in 2020, everyone was glad that the tradition continues to live on and to be back at the game.

    CIC student Mason Alfaro said, “Not only was the game entertaining but also the whole ambiance of the night was so right. The cheerleaders cheering and playing music that took everyone in the audience back and me and my friends just singing along laughing, taking pictures.” He also related the night to being like a movie.

    More students also expressed how much fun the game was, including CIC student Daylynn Sierra, who said that his experience at the game was “really one to remember.” He added, “Seeing all my ] friends really happy and hyped to see one of the best rivalry games in Long Beach. It was really fun to see all the people come and support both teams in a friendly environment.”

    Even students on the losing side expressed how merry the game was. 

    Wilson Technology pathway student Elon Muradzikwa noted, “This is the first night that I was able to see all of the people I care about in one place. Also being my first football game that I have watched, I’m glad it was the infamous Poly vs Wilson game.” She also says it was “one of the best high school nights” that she has experienced so far.

    The Wilson vs. Poly game has been a tradition since 1932, This is the 89th time theJackrabbits and Bruins have met on the field, and it has been 28 years since Wilson has beatPoly. There is a large chance that the Jackrabbits can make it to thirty years, with the zeal they have on the field. The two schools are naturally rivals, the longest Long Beach Sports rivalry there is. Still, sportsmanship and respect is shown in all sports, including football.

  • Fall Means Football (Photos!)

    Fall Means Football (Photos!)

  • Timothy Gomez

    There is so much joy to be found in playing on the Poly High School football team. The tension building while waiting for the kickoff. The roar of the crowd cheering you on. The sense of accomplishment when the last quarter has ended, and knowing your team has won. The sound of the band pronouncing your victory. And Timothy Gomez has enjoyed this life for almost a decade.

    Gomez is one of the senior captains for Poly High School’s football team. He is one of their anchors for defense, coach Stephen Barbee said.

    Barbee said that Gomez is a laid-back, carefree person that cares a lot for both his family and his friends. He is very involved in his religion as well.

    Barbee has also said that Gomez is in one of his classes as a teacher’s assistant. Gomez has high character and efficiently helps out the students in the class. He is a high-achieving student, and with a 3.5 GPA, his hard work has put him in an excellent position, Barbee said.

    Gomez first started playing football when he was nine years old. His father was a big inspiration for him, as he used to play, as well.

    One of Gomez’s teammates, Mase Suaava, calls Gomez a leader and a great player on the team that other players look up to because of his disciplined playing style. Gomez is goofy, knows how to have fun and make people laugh, while also being hard-working and dedicated, Suaava said.

    While he thinks he is a good player, Gomez considers all of his teammates to be equally as valuable. “You know… in football, there’s 11 people on the field, so everybody has to do their job,” he said. “So if one person isn’t…holding up their part of the deal, it can go wrong for everybody.”

    Besides sports, Gomez is a part of a Christian club at Poly High School called Cru Club where he participates in Bible studies. He also enjoys working out, going to see movies, and hanging out with his friends.

    Gomez has talked to a few schools about playing football in college, but he is not yet sure where he will end up. He hopes he will know within the next few weeks, and if not, he plans to attend a junior college in the area. He is considering studying either law or business.

    With a new team and new coaches, Gomez said that while this past season didn’t turn out how they would have liked it to, it did go well. “It was good that we, well, just came together and… made it work.”

  • Behind the Crime Scenes!

    Behind the Crime Scenes!

    When I first thought of this article,  it was because I was     curious to see what our Poly CSO’s do with their lives outside of school. Have you ever been curious as to what your teachers do in their spare time? Surely they have something they like to do aside from all that grading

    The gate worker and security guard Mike Castillo has been working for poly for the past two years. He is someone students often walk past, but seldom ever greet.

    Castillo, when he isn’t keeping poly’s campus beautiful, coaches youth basketball and youth football. “I was a jock in high school, I guess in that way, I still am.” Castillo said, smiling in remembrance of his past self.

    Nowadays, Castillo’s joy and passion comes not from sports alone, but his family. “My kids are my everything. I’m very soon to be a Grandpa, so I have that to look forward to.” he remarked with a small chuckle.

    Jeff Eyanson (the CSO pictured) has been a part of the Jackrabbit family for 28 years. During 8 of which he has been working toward receiving his doctorate. He was able to find the time to study while he worked. “I was able to work in between the cracks of time. I was able to do a lot of research while I’m at the main gate.”

    All that hard work will soon pay off for Eyanson, “I can see the end of the tunnel.” he said with a wide grin. As of now, Eyanson already teaches youth baseball and colleges courses twice a week in San Diego. He plans to remain working at poly as well as teaching online courses, “Is there anywhere else to go? I went here, stood here for 28 years. My son will go to high school here. Once a Jackrabbit, always a Jackrabbit.”

    Looking back to his years as a student here on campus, Eyanson can only remember being one thing: Busy. “I was in all kinds of clubs, student council, I was assistant coach for volleyball my senior year, and I was coach for 13 years after. We won CIF in 2000.”

  • Help Wanted: Poly Football Looking for Pierce Replacement

    After four years football head coach Antonio Pierce is leaving Poly. One of his main reasons for coaching here at Poly was his son DeAndre Pierce, who attended Poly and graduated in 2016.

    During his four years as coach he went 35-11, and made the playoffs three out of the four years.

    Before coaching, Pierce was a harding-hitting linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants, where he eventually won a Super Bowl. During his playing career he was known for his philanthropic activities with urban youth.

    “It was a great four years,” said Pierce, according to the Press-Telegram “I learned more about myself and how to coach and I created bonds with young men that I think will carry on for the rest of my life.”

    He now starts a new journey as linebackers coach at Arizona State University.

    “Antonio Pierce made a huge impact on us, he left us on good terms, he’s now the assistant coach and some will say it’s like a promotion,” said athletic director Robert Shock.

    Freshman Jake Garcia said, “He’s probably the best coach I’ve had up to this point. Not only is he super knowledgeable about the game, he’s also the type of coach that will push his players to become the best they can be off the field.” Coach Pierce made a huge impact on his players as some of them explain that he treated his players the same, no matter what their ranking was. Junior Elijah Juarez said, “I don’t mind him leaving because I know he’ll always have my back and the rest of the teams’. It’s not personal, it’s business.”

    Poly is currently in the process of picking a new head coach, “We are in the application stage, then we’ll put together a committee to review the candidates and set up the interviews,” said Shock.

  • Fourth Quater Heartbreak

    Fourth Quater Heartbreak

    Long​ ​Beach​ ​Poly​ ​football​ ​played ​Mission​ ​Viejo​​ ​on​ ​Friday,​ ​September​ ​15, ​at​ ​Veterans​ ​Stadium. The Poly football team was adorned in their all black uniforms and the Poly fans supported them by wearing black as well.

    The​ ​Jackrabbits​ ​lost​ ​12-7.​ ​Poly​ ​now​ ​has​ ​a​ ​2-1-0​ ​overall​ ​record this season and ​Mission Viejo​ ​now​ ​has​ ​a​ ​4-0-0​ ​overall​ ​record. When​ ​asked​ ​his​ ​thoughts​ ​on​ ​the​ ​game​, senior ​Raymond Graham said,​ ​“We had the game in our hands and we let them take the momentum of the game.”

    During the first quarter, Poly defense held it down and blocked any advances towards the end zone.​ In the second quarter the Jackrabbits were not as successful and Mission Viejo scored the first touchdown of the game. Poly came back refreshed after halftime and Graham scored a touchdown for the Jackrabbits, making the score 7-6. In the midst of the fourth quarter Mission Viejo grabbed control of the game via a pick 6 and didn’t let go, despite Poly’s valiant efforts.

    This​ ​was​ ​Poly’s​ third​game​ ​this​ ​season.​ ​They​ ​had​ ​a​ ​game​ ​on​ ​August​ ​25​ ​against​ ​Los​ ​Alamitos. Poly​ ​won​ ​the​ ​game​ ​28-10.​ The ​Jackrabbits​ ​also​ ​had​ ​a​ ​game​ ​September​ ​1​ ​versus​ ​Narbonne.​ ​The game​ ​took​ ​Place​ ​At​ ​El​ ​Camino​ ​college.​ ​Poly​ ​won​ ​again​ ​(14-10).

    The​ ​game​ ​was​ ​for also a part of the​ ​Touchdowns​ ​Against​ ​Cancer.​ ​Touchdowns​ ​against​ ​cancer​ ​is​ ​a​ ​way​ ​to​ ​raise money​ ​to​ ​help​ ​fight​ ​childhood​ ​cancer.​ ​High​ ​school​ ​football​ ​team’s​ ​across​ ​America​ ​participate​ ​in this​, all​​ ​September.​ ​$16​ ​is​ ​pledged​ ​per​ ​touchdown, and all​ ​the​ ​money​ ​raised​ ​goes​ ​towards​ ​St. Jude​ ​Children’s​ ​Research​ ​Hospital.​ ​So​ ​far​ ​530​ ​touchdowns​ ​have​ ​been​ ​scored and​ ​$74,488 has been​ ​raised.​ ​Touchdowns​ ​against​ ​cancer​ ​was​ ​created​ ​by​ ​MaxPreps, Pledge​ ​It​ ​and​ ​St.​ ​Jude​ ​Children’s​ ​Research​ ​Hospital. ​ Long​ ​Beach​ ​Poly​ ​also​ ​has​ ​two​ ​upcoming​ ​games​ ​this​ ​month against Millikan and Wilson. Poly will be playing Millikan at Millikan on September 22 and is expected to be a good game due to their similar season statistics of two wins and one loss. Poly will play Wilson September 29 at Veterans Stadium.

    The​ ​first​ ​upcoming​ ​game​ ​is​ ​against​ ​Millikan,​ ​and​ ​it’s​ ​Poly’s​ ​first​ ​conference​ ​game​ ​this​ ​season. Poly​ ​is​ ​away​ ​and​ ​it​ ​is​ ​expected​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​good​ ​game​ ​based​ ​on​ ​both​ ​the​ ​teams​ ​similar​ ​season stats.​ ​When​ ​asked​ ​their​ ​thoughts​ ​on​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​game​, Junior​ ​Ulises​ ​Godoy​ ​said​ ​“Look good,​ ​feel​ ​good,​ ​play​ ​good.”​ The​ ​second upcoming​ ​game​ ​is​ ​against​ ​Wilson.​ ​Wilson’s​ ​record​ ​is​ ​1-3.​ Poly​ ​is​ ​expected​ ​to​ ​take​ ​1st​ ​place​ ​in Moore ​league​ ​again​ ​this​ ​season.

  • A New Era in Poly Football

    The Poly football team held its annual Spring Football Game on Friday, May 16 at the Poly football field.

    A crowd of around 500 spectators filled the bleachers, eager to watch the new football team display their skills. This year marks the departure of several football figures, most notably USC-bound John “JuJu” Smith and esteemed coach Raul Lara, who led the Jackrabbits to multiple league and CIF championships.

    However, it also marks a new era in Poly football history, one with new head coach Antonio Pierce at its helm. The “Green and Gold” game featured a new football team, one that includes seasoned veterans and rising players.

    It was evident that next years’ team possessed unlimited potential, showing a lot of depth and talent from its newcomers, like sophomores Micah Croom and Jackie Jones. The new players surely compensated for the hole left by the college-bound seniors, and have a chance of surpassing their accomplishments with determination and grit. Split into two teams, the Poly football team showcased its versatility and adeptness on the field.

    The event also comprised of passing league style games, various food trucks, and the presence of noteworthy Poly alumni. Snoop Dogg was on hand to watch the game, much to the crowd’s excitement. Other alumni present include Pro Bowler Marcedes Lewis and a dozen former CIF football players. In addition, several scouts came to visit, representing Stanford, USC, and Boise State, to name a few. Overall, the entire event was a fun-filled, exciting spectacle for students, teachers, and parents alike.

    “I certainly had an amazing time watching the game and participating in all of the activities. The game was fun to watch, and the team looks extremely strong and capable of winning a championship. My favorite part was meeting Snoop Dogg, however,” said junior Irene Ear.

    The Jackrabbits will officially enter season in late August, facing off against Crenshaw at Mission Viejo on August 30.

  • Lara Leaves Behind A Legacy

    [pullquote align=”right” speaker=”Senior, John “Juju” Smith”]It was an honor and experience playing for one of the best Poly coaches.[/pullquote]

    After thirteen years as Poly’s head football coach, Raul Lara announced his resignation on the Friday after the team’s last game.

    “[It was] a decision a lot of people didn’t know,” said athletic director Rob Shock.

    Over his tenure as head coach, Lara acquired five CIF Championships, more than any other coach in Poly history. These championships were in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008, and most recently in 2012.

    Lara has had long standing ties with the Poly Jackrabbits. After playing football for Poly, he graduated in 1984 and enrolled at UC Santa Barbara. During his college years Lara volunteered as an assistant coach to the Jackrabbits.

    Coach Lara became head coach in 2001, and won a CIF title in his first year. Not only has he been the head coach for the Jackrabbits, but he also has had a full-time job as a probation officer in the Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall. Lara willingly put in many hours of work as a coach for a yearly stipend of around $5,000.

    Many of the seniors on this year’s football team have gotten to know Lara over their four years at Poly. Jason “Pops” Fao got to know him especially well because he was a four-year varsity starter.

    Not only did Lara win championships, but he also instilled values into his players, Lara encouraged them to be people of character.

    “He said to always remember where you came from,” said Fao.

    “He taught us to play together” said senior lineman Gasetoto “Gmac” Schuster

    Fao also said “I’m going to miss him. He was a good coach.”

    “It was an honor and experience playing for one of the best Poly coaches,” said senior receiver John “Juju” Smith

    Schuster said Lara was, “Like a father figure to me.”

    Defensive coordinator Jeff Turley will serve as the interim head coach for the time being.

    Athletic director Rob Shock is accepting applications for the vacant head coaching position until January 7, 2014. After that, the formal interview process will start.

  • Football Gets Shut Down

    The Poly football team’s season ended in a semifinal appearance against Mater Dei on November 29. Poly fell to the Monarchs 30-0, on their home turf at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.

    The Jackrabbits were wearing their gray uniforms, which were unveiled at last year’s semifinal appearance against St. John Bosco. Poly could not get any drives going in the first half. A rare sight for Jackrabbit fans was when Monarch running back Justin Allen had a 75-yard run and scored. This brought the score to 6-0. After some more stalled Poly drives, the Monarchs kept scoring, and eventually brought the score to 20-0 at halftime.

    After halftime, the Jackrabbits had some inspiration, coming from senior reciever Christian Pabico’s 48-yard catch. Unfortunately, this drive would stall on the next play, when Poly fumbled the ball, giving it back to the Monarchs. Senior reciever John “JuJu” Smith was in double coverage the entire game. During the game, Smith caught the ball three times for 14 yards gain. In the second half, Smith converted to the running back position, which seemed effective. But fumbles and stalled drives shot any chance of the Jackrabbits scoring. The closest the Jackrabbits got t scoring was a pass to Pabico in the end zone. In the end, the Jackrabbits lost 30-0.

    Although the Jackrabbits were shut out, the season’s end is a great time to remember the seniors that have helped this team over the years. Lineman Jason “Pops” Fao was a four year varsity starter, and helped keep the Jackrabbit’s playoff hopes alive during the Orange Lutheran game, when he sacked the Lancer quarterback in the final minutes. Alongside Fao for most of the time was Gasetoto “Gmac” Schuster, who played on the offensive and defensive lines. Saualii “Serge” Fao also played on the offensive and defensive lines. Another senior who helped create the strong lines was Drew Ho. Caleb Turner helped stop the opposing running games while playing at middle linebacker. In addition, Rodney “Bama” Shorter played at defensive end. Elijah Moody played at safety and defensive back. Demetric Woodard played at defensive back as well. Imani Mitchell started at defensive tackle. Quarterback Tai Tiedemann started at quarterback for two years, helping the Jackrabbits to a PAC-5 title last year. Though Christian Pabico was only at Poly for his senior year, he caught many sideline touchdown passes, and was named one of the Moore League’s offensive players of the year. John “Juju” Smith made many memorable plays for the Jackrabbits. Smith was named the Moore League Player of the Year.

    Despite many seniors leaving, there are still quite a few returners to next year’s team. The junior class is returning linebacker Omari Lyles, running backs Jeremy Calhoun and James Brooks, cornerbacks Iman “Biggie” Marshall and Justin Calhoun, defensive tackle Joseph Wicker, lineman Justin Canada and quarterback Josh Love. The sophomore class is also returning a few starters. Cornerbacks Micah Croom and Jackie Jones will be playing on next year’s team, with another year of expierence.

  • Football: Not The Lancer’s Knight

    The Jackrabbits football team had a solid performance against the Lakewood Lancers on October 18, coming out on top, 39-0. This game was especially meaningful for the seniors on the team as it was Senior Night. Before the game, each senior ran down the middle of the field to the open arms of their parents and coaches.

    After the pre-game handshakes between the teams, it was time for business.

    Poly scored on their second possession of the game, with a touchdown pass from senior John “JuJu” Smith to senior receiver Christian Pabico, who dove into the end zone.

    The Jackrabbits’ offense was just getting started, as three minutes later, senior quarterback Tai Tiedemann threw a 43-yard pass to senior receiver Richard Mindoro on a quarterback scramble. The Jackrabbits went for a two-point conversion, completing it with a shovel pass from junior quarterback Josh Love to junior running back James Brooks.

    The Jackrabbits scored just 15 seconds later starting with junior defensive back Iman “Biggie” Marshall getting an interception on the very next play. The Poly offense scored in one play, with a touchdown pass from Love to Pabico.

    Wide receivers were the main scorers on the night; Pabico, Smith, and Mindoro were frequent targets for the quarterbacks.

    Poly scored once more early in the second quarter, this time from Tiedemann to Pabico, his third on the night.

    “This is the best night for receiving,” said Pabico.

    The Jackrabbits entered the second half, up 33-0.

    For the last score of the game, Tiedemann threw a short pass to junior tight end Gabe “Big Gabe” Rivera, who had no problem running it in.

    The defense was on point, forcing six sacks on the Lancer quarterbacks. Senior defensive lineman Rodney “Bama” Shorter summed up Poly’s defense: “Fantastic. Terrific. Awesome. Tremendous. Spectacular.”

    Smith also showed off his impressive hurdling skills, completely leaping over Lakewood’s Jarod Stevens. In the end, Poly won 39-0.

    Not only was this game Senior Night, but also this game was part of the Great American Rivalries series. Pabico won the award for Most Valuable Player, for scoring a total of three touchdowns, all in the first half of the game

    After the bye week, Poly will have an away against the Millikan Rams tomorrow.  Lastly, they will play the Wilson Bruins next Friday, November 8th before heading into post-season play.

  • Football: Preseason Begins With A Win

    Long Beach Poly football opened their 2013 season on August 30 with a win over the Crenshaw Cougars (28-15) where, for the first time, a girl scored for the varsity football team.

    Last year’s season was one with a questionable 1-3 preseason, as well as Poly’s worst loss in their long history. However, the team went back to basics and returned with yet another Moore League Championship, a CIF Championship, and State runner-ups by the end of the season. Poly started this season ranked 12th in the nation and 6th in the state.

    The opening kickoff by the Jackrabbits was sent high into the air and was recovered by Poly soon after Crenshaw fumbled. The following play by Crenshaw quickly intercepted it. Scoring early in the second quarter, Crenshaw put themselves on the board. Poly would come back to end the first half 8-7, Poly.

    Poly came out blazing hot as they scored in their first drive of the second half and would go up 15-7. This ended late in the third quarter as Crenshaw scored and gained the two-point conversion. Senior John “Juju” Smith was then put into the running back position to wake up the Poly offense. This move seemed to work as Smith allowed Poly to score soon after.

    “We had a slow start and it took us a while to get into rhythm. When the second half came, we began to feel a little more comfortable and started playing Poly football,” said senior quarterback Tai Tiedemann.

    The exclamation point of the night was junior Killian Turley kicking in the point after touchdown. K. Turley, daughter of defensive coordinator Jeff Turley, is the first girl in Poly’s 106-year history to ever score points for a varsity football team at Poly.

    “The best part about being on the team is that is that I am getting an opportunity to prove to everyone that with dedication and determination you can achieve any goal,” said K. Turley.

    Poly is currently ranked 7th in the nation and 3rd in the state and seeks to improve on last week’s game with an even stronger start and performance against the Servite Friars last Friday at 7 p.m. at Cerritos College.

    “We may have done well last year, but not winning State left us unsatisfied,” said Tiedemann. “Losing last year is our fuel to win this year.”