In what proved to be a great day for high school football fans, Poly hosted Jordan, Lakewood and Cabrillo in a round-robin two hours of 7-on-7 touch football.
On Thursday, I wrote about how these summer passing league games usually involve teams that won’t see each other during the regular season. But for the second year, the Moore League went against the usual.
“I think it’s good for the league,” said Cabrillo head coach A.J. Luke. “You talk about team building, but this is Moore League building… it’s fun, and exciting to come together.”
Poly defensive coordinator Jeff Turley echoed the sentiment, “You get to see each other in a different setting. These guys know each other and they get to just come out here and play. When it’s the regular season, it’s a different game.”
These passing leagues are a different game for sure. And when the Moore League is involved, it’s a game where the defense can get in some good work.
Here are some notes I took down…
– First of all, this is a strange form of torture. Someone blew a whistle and I desperately wanted it to be the first whistle of the season. September can’t get here soon enough.
– As you can see from the video, most of the offense was limited to short routs and dump off passes. That means we’re in for another Moore League season dominated by good defense. Like that’s any surprise.
– Offensively, Lakewood looked the sharpest. Quarterback Jesse Scroggins showed off his strong arm, and with all the time in the world in the pocket he only missed a handful of throws. Without the rushing lineman, these passing league games are more about receiver timing and defensive reads.
– Speaking of defense, defensively everyone looked good. But I have to say, Cabrillo looked like they have the most overall potential. They are young, and wow are they fast. Remember these three names: Tyrone Swinton (CB) John Scanlin (LB) and Chris Gooden (S).
– We all know Jordan quarterback John Timu can lead an offense, but don’t forget about his ability as a free safety. The interception on the video was just one of two against Poly.
– You hear sports fan say all the time, “oh, he’s a natural.” Watching Lakewood defensive back Dion Bailey play, that’s all I can think. His half speed seems like everyone else’s game speed, and he’s an absolute ball hawk. Poly’s Cameron Jackson also looked very comfortable in the secondary.
– Speaking of good defenders, if you thought Jordan linebacker Princeton Fuimaono couldn’t get much better, keep in mind he’s had a year to get stronger. And he did.
– A lot has been made of Poly looking for new playmakers. He didn’t have his best game, but quarterback Derek Stewart looked good at Dana Hills and was very accurate today. He doesn’t have a huge arm, but his short passing game fits perfectly with what Poly wants to do on offense.
– If you were watching for an unknown player that could make a name for himself this fall, you we’re probably looking at Jordan receiver Keith Nixon. The basketball player turned wide out is becoming a favorite Timu target.
– I talked to a coach (shall remain nameless) who said, “I think Poly is at a disadvantage here… they get by a lot with intimidation, with the Friday night lights and those gold helmets… but out here it’s tee shirts and shorts. We can look at them out here and say, ‘see, they’re just like you’.” But LBPostSports reader and all around awesome guy Tyler Hendrickson had a different take, “Poly is young. They need to be in the stuff a little bit. They need to see what the Moore League is all about.”
Seriously, can we just start the season right now?