Football: LB Poly 14, Lakewood 7
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Poly Coach Raul Lara has never come into a Moore League game in his nine years as coach as an underdog, and so far, his Jackrabbits are more than holding their own against Lakewood.
Quarterback Chris Leachman scored his second TD of the game on a one-yard plunge as time expired at the end of the second quarter, giving Poly a 14-7 halftime lead over Lakewood.
Leachman connected on a 24-yard pass to Kaelin Clay on fourth-and-15 down to the Lakewood 2.
Poly had an impressive drive going in the second quarter, but Cory Westbrook lost the ball on a fumble, and Lakewood’s Kelly Harpham recovered on the Lakewood 31 with 3:49 left. Poly is showcasing lots of sophomores and juniors, and its confidence has to be growing despite two turnovers because the defense has handled Lakewood’s high-powered offense.
Sophomore Josiah Blandin has made two clutch catches on third down for Poly to pick up first downs. Westbrook, running hard, has gained 92 yards in 17 carries.
Lakewood quarterback Jesse Scroggins has struggled, completing six of 14 passes for 45 yards. The Lancers had 34-yard field-goal attempt blocked in the second quarter.
Poly might be 2-3, but the Jackrabbits still have talent. The players are just young, and with each game, they’re getting better, and that’s a warning for future opponents.
-- Eric Sondheimer