Long Beach Poly Edges Wilson : Prep football: The defense forces three turnovers as the Jackrabbits remain unbeaten in the Moore League, 10-7.

Sometimes a football team must simply outlast the competition.

Long Beach Poly High proved that Friday night during a 10-7 Moore League victory over visiting Long Beach Wilson before 1,250 at Veteran’s Stadium.

In solidifying their first-place hold in the standings, the Jackrabbits (6-3 overall, 4-0 in league) overcame nine penalties, three turnovers and two missed field goals.

“We were our own worst enemy tonight,” said Poly co-Coach Jerry Jaso. “We made about 100 more mistakes than they did and still came away with the victory. We feel a little fortunate.”

Poly scored the winning touchdown with 8:09 remaining, capping a drive that began when linebacker Dan Juan Magee recovered Kevin McKenzie’s fumble at the Wilson 17-yard line.

After moving to first and goal at the seven, Poly was pushed back to the 25. But quarterback Robert Toler extricated his team by throwing a touchdown pass to Jason McCorvey in the left corner of the end zone.

The Jackrabbits outgained Wilson in total yards, 250-99, and had 10 first downs to three for the Bruins. But Poly’s defense forced three Wilson turnovers as the Bruins (5-3-1, 2-2) lost two fumbled kick returns and saw Poly block an attempted punt.

“I think our special teams let down a little tonight,” Wilson Coach John Brennan said.

“The kids played hard, but their defense responded when it really mattered. We had our chances, but I think their defense proved to be the key.”

Toler completed seven of 14 passes for 131 yards. Tailback Eric Wilson led the Poly rushing game with 22 carries for 71 yards, and fullback Henry Thomas had 26 yards.

Wilson quarterback Brady Dunn completed three of 12 passes for 17 yards, and tailback McKenzie finished with a game-high 78 yards in 11 carries. McKenzie gained most of his yardage on a 66-yard first-half touchdown.

McKenzie put Wilson on top with his first-quarter touchdown run. But that was the extent of the Bruin offense, which produced only five more total yards the rest of the half.