Judging by the way the first three games have played out this season, Poly’s defense is the team to beat.  For the second time in as many weeks, Poly shut out their opponent’s offense, this week giving the Jackrabbits a 14-0 victory over the Colts of Carson High and their third win of the season.  Yet things were not perfect for the ‘Rabbits on Friday.  Their offense struggled for most of the game, and remained scoreless until 5:50 in the fourth quarter, when running back Melvin Richardson broke for the first touchdown of the night with a 13-yard rush up the middle.  Richardson would go on to put the nail in the coffin with a 30-yard run to the left side that gave the ‘Rabbits their 14-0 lead.  When asked about the offense’s struggle, Richardson said after the game that “good teams sometimes have an off day.”

Video provided by MaxPreps

When you’re playing with a defense as dominant as Poly’s, though, the offense can afford a slow start.  In the first half, the Colts managed only one first down.  Poly linebacker Matt Jones, who recorded an interception for 40 yards at the end of the third quarter, explained: “We have faith in each other.  The offense knows we have their back and we know that, once they find their rhythm, they’ll have ours.”  By the fourth quarter, the Poly offense was ready to return the favor.  When Senior defensive back Darius Williams-Fox picked off another of Colts quarterback Daniel Torres’ passes, the ‘Rabbits marched down the field in a six-play drive culminating in Richardson’s 30-yard touchdown.

Coach Lara gave a game ball to “the whole darn defense” this week, commenting on how proud he was to see them playing the way they are.  There were some questions leading up to the game as to how well the defense would fare against Colts tight end Morrell Presley, who has verbally committed to USC, but his 3 receptions for a mere 18 yards says it all. 

Now that Moore League is starting next week, some might worry that Poly will ease up a bit as they head into familiar territory.  But Melvin Richardson, who finished the night with 24 carries and 164 yards (as well as the game’s only two touchdowns), assured me that the team treats “every practice like the following Friday is a championship game.”  Which is a good thing, because up next is Lakewood, who has outscored their opponents 103-51, remain undefeated as of Friday night, and look to be one of, if not the, toughest competitors the Jackrabbits will face in the Moore League.