Jackrabbits boys’ coach Will Pryor is also a Beach Cities club coach. A Connecticut native and lifelong lacrosse devotee, he’s excited to guide the Poly program, now in its third year, into the spotlight of official league competition.
“The addition of CIF and Moore League teams is making Long Beach a lacrosse town,” he said. “We’ve alway said when you see kids on the street and at the park and practicing late at high schools, lacrosse is here to stay–well, it is now.”
Kyle Johnson is the team’s goalie and leader, having come through the Beach lacrosse program.
“He’s the heart of the team, and he’s one of a kind,” said Pryor.
Senior Henry Pryor runs the offense and had 11 goals in the team’s second game of the season. PJ Gough is a tough two-way player leading the midfield, and Matt Cuellar plays long stick midfield. Pryor said other key contributors are Chris O’Brien, Jason O’Toole, and Je’shawn Walker.
On the girls’ side, the Jackrabbits are coached by alum Milan Moliere.
“This season our goal is to show Long Beach that lacrosse is going to be a sport to be reckoned with,” she said. “We worked hard to get it recognized as a CIF sport and to be a part of the league. It’s a big deal for the kids and the sport as well.”
Moliere has the benefit of a trio of scholarship players in Emelia and Evelyn Manzo, and Zuri Saunders, all three of whom signed with Marian University in Wisconsin. Junior goalie Fatima Gonzales has a 70% save percentage as well.
