Long Beach Poly’s Jackson Leads West

With nothing but end zone ahead of him, DeSean Jackson broke stride and took a flying leap from the five-yard line Saturday during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

The Long Beach Poly speedster tried to punctuate his 52-yard, first-quarter catch with a front flip into the end zone, but he fell half a yard short, landing awkwardly near the goal line before a national television audience.

“I was trying to do my best Reggie Bush impersonation and dive in,” he said.

“I just got carried away ... and did something I shouldn’t have done.”

That play and a fumbled punt return were the only lowlights for Jackson, who caught seven passes for 141 yards and threw a 45-yard touchdown pass on a double reverse in a 35-3 victory for the West at the Alamodome.

Jackson, a possible selection in baseball’s major league draft in June, was selected the game’s most valuable player. He has not made his college choice.

The West was bolstered by a smothering defense, which included Oxnard Rio Mesa defensive back Kevin Thomas, that gave up 93 yards of offense.

USC-bound quarterback Mark Sanchez of Mission Viejo connected with David Gettis of Los Angeles Dorsey in the second quarter for a 39-yard touchdown.

Gettis committed to Baylor during the game.

Sanchez completed five of nine passes for 88 yards.

Alabama-bound Jim Barnes of Los Alamitos passed for 117 yards and a 16-yard touchdown.

Nebraska-bound Marlon Lucky of North Hollywood reeled off a 20-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. He finished with 31 yards in five carries.