There’s nothing quite like that first Friday night of fall, when high school football kicks off once again and a new athletic year is officially underway. Those moments are special every season, but 2023 was different.
That’s because the football season didn’t kick off in Long Beach, or anywhere in California for that matter. Long Beach Poly and Millikan each made the trip across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii to open the 2023 high school football season, providing a unique opportunity to their players, parents, and coaches.
“It was a great experience, getting to see a different side of the world,” said Poly quarterback Darius Curry. “Some of our boys have never really left Long Beach so it was great to be a part of this experience and see the Hawaiian culture.”
Subscribe to the562 on GiveButter to make a recurring donation and keep Long Beach sports coverage free!
Prior to Poly’s game against Konawaena, the teams huddled up into a big circle along the home sideline, and took a moment to reflect on the devastating fires that had very recently ravaged the island of Maui. It was a reminder to take nothing for granted, and showed the importance of community and togetherness, especially during a tragedy.
One week later, Millikan took on the Punahou School in Honolulu, squaring off against one of the country’s most historic high schools. The Rams took an early lead thanks to a TD grab by Loyall Mouzon, and despite losing the game, they got to open their season against a top program in an elite setting.
Sports has a unique way of teaching life lessons, and can sometimes lead you around the world. Getting to cover two Long Beach football teams playing in Hawaii was a unique experience, and it’s one we’ll treasure from the 2023 season.
