TONIGHT: High School Football Passing League
Poly, Jordan, Cabrillo & Lakewood
5pm @ Poly High 

All across the country during these hot summer months high school football players are all doing two things: dreaming and practicing.  They are all dreaming of that magical season that seems so possible right now.  But first, they have to prepare and practice to be ready for the grueling ten-week schedule that awaits them at the end of August.

For the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers, that practice and preparation is all about passing league.  In a seven-on-seven battle (everyone on the field except the lineman) schools challenge each other to sandlot-type games that help teams with mental repetitions and timing.  We covered one of these passing league tournaments a few weeks ago in Dana Hills (click here for the story).

When I was in high school, these huge passing league tournaments were just gaining momentum and getting bigger, both in size and importance.  But my head coach made two things clear: (1) it’s not about the result, it’s about getting better everyday, and (2) We will not play any league opponents in the summer.  He wasn’t trying to hide secret formations or plays, but when we skipped tournaments because the cross-town rival was going to be there, he’d say, “we’ll play ‘em when it counts.”

Some Moore League coaches feel differently, however, and that’s good for us fans.  Poly, Lakewood, Jordan and Cabrillo will all be at Poly High tonight at 5pm for a little round-robin play that has this reporter chomping at the bit.

I mean, I’ve been jonesing for football since the Super Bowl, so this is perfect timing.  Plus, these four teams are the four biggest question marks going into next season.  Can Poly really reload like that?  Is this really Lakewood’s year?  Can Jordan build on last year’s success?  Can A.J. Luke build some excitement in Jag Country?

Those questions won’t be answered at Poly tonight, but who cares.  The build up is the best part.  If you can make it out to PCH and Atlantic, then by all means come check out the action and say hello, but if you can’t, I’ll have the full report up tomorrow.

If you do make it out, here are four things you should keep in mind… 

1) Who is the featured ‘Rabbit?

The Jackrabbits graduated a senior class that won back-to-back CIF titles, so reloading might be an understatement.  But the most important thing will be the backfield.  The line will be big, the receivers will be fast, but will the running back be a bruiser or a speedster?  And how will that change the personality of a Poly offense that will have a microscope on it?

2) Is there enough ball for Lakewood?

The Lancers are so stacked at the skill positions that the question becomes, how do you get everyone involved?  Yes, running back Jerry Stone needs to get his touches.  But quarterback Jesse Scroggins is so good and has so many weapons on the outside, how can you not have him throw the ball 35 times a game?

3) How sneaky can the Panthers be?

Last year Jordan football experienced unprecedented success.  Or as coach Scott Meyer put it after his team beat Lakewood, “the program turned the corner tonight.”  But like their defensive secondary strategy, can the Panthers sneak up on teams this season like last year?

4) Is that a Jag D or a Poly copy?

Coach A.J. Luke learned to coach at Poly, so obviously he’s taken the ‘Rabbit defensive philosophy with him to Cabrillo.  I mean, if it ain’t broke, right?  But if the Jaguars are going to win a Moore League game this year, do they have to start looking like themselves, in strategy and attitude?