Few atmospheres compare with the sights and sounds of a Fall Friday night. Sure, we’re excited for the launch of college and pro football, but thinking about Fridays keeps us up all night. Why? Because we live in Long Beach, home of the Harry J. Moore League. We’ve covered enough high school football to know, and believe us when we tell you: the talent in the Moore League this season is preposterous. We’re talking eye-popping, jaw-dropping talent. Talent you’d pay a hell of a lot more than ten dollars to see. Fortunately for you, if you’re sitting at your computer within driving distance of any of our seven local high schools, you won’t have to.

Seven teams, each with an identity, each with a story, and we couldn’t be happier to spend the next four months bringing them to you.

If you’ve followed high school football in Long Beach for the last decade—or, probably, even if you haven’t—you know that Poly hasn’t lost to a Moore League opponent since before we’d heard of Monica Lewinsky. That’s 73 straight victories. Daunting stats like that have caused some fans (and most local journalists) to forget that hot on the ‘Rabbits’ tail is a chase pack that seems to inch closer every season.

Cabrillo: The Upstarts
Can newly minted head coach A.J. Luke bring some of that Poly history to Long Beach’s youngest school? The former Poly defensive specialist brought a half-dozen other ‘Rabbits coaches with him when he headed west over the Summer. Click here to read the full Cabrillo preview.

Compton: The Next Generation
Historically, winning football seasons in Compton have been few and far between. In the last three seasons, however, they made it to the playoffs on the strength of an explosive running game (read: Donald Green) and a swarming defense. Could this be the year that Compton finds consistency in the post-Green era? Click here to read the full Compton preview.

Jordan: The Dark Horses
Jordan finished with a .500 record last season, and if two plays had gone the other way they would have been in the playoffs. So even though they finished fifth in a league where the top four teams got in, don’t overlook Jordan—you can bet the other Moore League coaches won’t. Click here to read the full Jordan preview.

Lakewood: The Leaders of the Pack
That chase pack we mentioned? Lakewood tends to be out in front. The story’s the same as it always is, and that ain’t bad—is this the year the Lancers can track down the ‘Rabbits? Or will they continue to be the best two-seed in Southern California? Click here to read the full Lakewood preview.

Millikan: The Wild Card
Last year was one of the best football seasons Millikan has ever had. But the Rams lost some key returning starters over the offseason. Will they be able to build from the program’s success in 2007, or is it back to square one? Click here to read the full Millikan preview.

Wilson: The Redeem Team
Last season was about as hard on the Bruins as any season could be on a team. They finished 1-9. The returning players from that squad are dead set on keeping it from happening again. The talent was there last season, and it still is—will the memory of past disappointment be enough to push the Bruins over the top? Click here to read the full Wilson preview.

Poly: The Perennial Powerhouse
What can you say about a team that has a legitimate shot at its first national championship? The biggest challenge for Poly this season may be not looking too far ahead, because for all the teams listed above, their meeting with the ‘Rabbits is their national championship. Click here to read the full Poly preview.