The562’s coverage of football in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
Long Beach Poly (6-5) will face a big test as the Jackrabbits hit the road to face the high-powered offense of Pacifica Oxnard (7-4). The Tritons have scored 40+ points in half their games this season including last week’s blowout win over Laguna Beach, 47-14.
The Jackrabbits won an opening-round contest against Northview last week, but will need to play better on both sides of the ball to pull off a narrow upset according to the CalPreps projection, which has them as a one-point underdog.
“They’ve got some incredible wide receivers, they’re very athletic, and they can really take the top off the defense,” said Poly coach Stephen Barbee of the Tritons’ offense.
Pacifica is led by Cal Poly commit Savion Taylor, a three-star recruit averaging 100 yards per game. Isaiah Dillon lines up on the other side at receiver and is a Fresno State commit. The Tritons also rely on their receiver playmakers in the special teams return game.
Poly will try to counter with their own elite skills players, who weren’t often tested last week against run-heavy Northview. Tae Wright, Juju Johnson, and Deon Jackson will all need to be great in coverage to shut down the Tritons’ attack.
“They’re a very seasoned team and it’s going to be a great game Friday night,” said Barbee.
Offensively, Poly will need to play turnover-free ball and cut down on penalties that plagued them last week, with four touchdowns called back due to flags. Ben Harris has been a game-changer at running back thus far in the playoffs, and receiver Kamarie Smith has led a talented group of receivers.
The winner of tonight’s game will face the winner of El Modena and Thousand Oaks. Should Poly advance they’d host El Modena or travel to Thousand Oaks.
