Football: Jackrabbits’ speed on display at Carson

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In a game full of big plays, Long Beach Poly made more of them during Friday’s 42-26 intersectional victory over Carson.

No one came up bigger than Jackrabbits junior wide receiver John Smith. He made a diving catch and kept both of his feet inbounds for a six-yard touchdown reception that opened the scoring in the first quarter, then he separated from his defender to haul in a 98-yard touchdown pass to give Poly a 28-14 lead late in the third quarter.

‘That was all John,’ Poly quarterback Eban Jackson said. ‘He got a step on his man and he went up and got it.’

Poly got a huge road win against a formidable L.A. City Section powerhouse and will play yet another, reigning City champion Harbor City Narbonne, in two weeks. First, however, is an out-of-state trip to Sandy, Utah to take on a Jordan squad that has demolished its first two opponents.

As for Carson, the Colts will have to regroup quickly with nonleague games against Fresno Edison, Santa Ana Mater Dei, Santa Margarita and Corona Centennial still ahead. Carson gets head coach Jimmy Nolan back next week, which should help their chances considerably.

Backup quarterback Sean Wheeler replaced injured starter Justin Collins in the fourth quarter and looked impressive, even throwing a late 35-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Fuamatu. Add to the mix Kendell Sparks’ explosiveness in the backfield and the Colts’ no-huddle offense figures to keep them in a lot of games.

-- Steve Galluzzo