Article by Julio Nievas

The Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits came to Cabrillo High School with one goal in mind: win their last away game. Friday night, the Jackrabbits accomplished their goal and more by crushing the Jaguars, 54-2.

Long Beach Poly scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and never looked back. Poly starting quarterback Chayse Hales had a short night on the field passing for 255 yards and two touchdowns. His leading receiver was junior wide out Randall Goforth, who had five receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns.

Cabrillo couldn’t stop Poly’s quick offense, as Poly’s fight song was the soundtrack for the game all night long.

The Jaguars couldn’t get into any offensive rhythm as the Jackrabbits allowed the Jaguars across their 50-yard line only once. The closest Cabrillo came to scoring was on their last drive before the half. Jaguar quarterback Derek Stewart completed a 60-yard pass to wide receiver Josh Thomas aided by a pass deflection by Poly senior cornerback Kameron Jackson, which landed in Thomas’ hands for the touchdown.

However; the touchdown was called back for an illegal formation penalty by Cabrillo.

The Jaguars couldn’t convert any points afterwards. Poly then went on to drive the ball with a minute left in the first half, when wide receiver Emmanuel Lara caught a 60-yard pass by Hales to land on Cabrillo’s 20-yard line, but they failed to score as the time ran out.

Poly’s lone mistake of the night was a safety that was committed by a bad snap during a punt formation play in the third quarter. By that time, though, Poly had already inserted their reserves.

Poly’s defense was lead by the secondary as they forced three of five Cabrillo turnovers. Cabrillo committed two interceptions and three fumbles and allowed four sacks. Sophomore cornerback Humberto Vargas caught one of the interceptions and returned it ten yards for a touchdown.

Poly remains to sit atop of the Moore League, continuing to go undefeated in the standings. Their final game will be at Veterans Stadium as they face Compton High School at 7:00pm next Friday, November 12.

Cabrillo High School will stay at home and finish their season at home against the Jordan High School Panthers, who beat Long Beach Wilson tonight.