The562’s coverage of football in 2023-24 is sponsored in part by the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
This game had a little bit of everything, and it showcased what we love about high school sports. The highlight video starts with a tribute to our late friend Keith Hansen, who had the Wilson rally stage named in his honor prior to the Bruins’ Homecoming Game.
Homecoming always brings a little extra energy to the sidelines, and the Wilson/Jordan football rivalry has had a knack for delivering unforgettable games almost every year. The 2023 edition stands out as one of the wildest finishes in any sport during the previous school year, and we needed more than 13 minutes to recap all the drama.
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The action started simply enough, with the teams trading touchdowns back-and-forth over the first two quarters. The visiting Panthers led 21-14 at halftime, and grew their lead to 42-21 with 6:05 left to play on a 31-yard TD run from senior Jordan Washington.
But that’s when things got interesting. Wilson’s Christian Chapman scored a touchdown the other way with 4:39 left in the fourth. Then as Jordan drove back the other way, a fumble ended their drive and gave Wilson some needed life. A screen to Chapman produced another TD for the Bruins with 2:43 on the clock as they got back within a touchdown, 42-35.
Wilson’s onside kick was unsuccessful, and it led to some pushing and shoving after the play. The tension between the teams had been steadily building all night, and it was palpable in the final minutes. Remarkably, another Jordan fumble gave the ball back to Wilson with 1:10 to go, giving them a great chance to complete the epic comeback.
After a key personal foul helped move Wilson into Panthers territory, Mack Cooper hit Max Barbee for a 38-yard touchdown, sending the Bruins’ Homecoming crowd into a frenzy. Wilson decided to go for a two-point conversion and the lead, which was successful on a handoff to Chapman.
That gave Jordan just 41 seconds to answer back, and they would. After a huge kickoff return into Wilson territory, the Panthers had a chance at the Wilson 20, where JJ Nielsen fired a completion to Jake Bautista for an amazing go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds on the clock. The Panthers were then able to hold on for a breathtaking 49-43 win.
It was an unfathomable finish to an unpredictable night, and we’re just glad we had the cameras rolling.
