In a rematch of a thrilling game from 2019, Long Beach Poly will open its season against Gardena Serra tonight at 7 p.m. The Jackrabbits are hosting this game at Cabrillo, since having bleachers on both sides of the field provides more capacity for parents and family members from both teams. No additional fans will be permitted, but the game will be streamed on Fox Sports Prep Zone.
The Cavaliers won last year’s meeting 27-24, in a back-and-forth contest. Poly quarterback Shea Kuykendall started that game as a sophomore, and made some big throws for the Jackrabbits, passing for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
“It’s become a great rivalry,” said Long Beach Poly head coach Stephen Barbee. “It’s always close when we play, and you’ve got two great schools near each other with a great history and a great history in the NFL.”
Serra should have an explosive offense to match against a highly-touted Poly defense, and that should be the battle to focus on all night. Junior quarterback Maalik Murphy is a five-star recruit who is already committed to Texas. The 6-foot-4 Murphy got some snaps against the Jackrabbits last season, but this will be his first season at the helm for the Cavs. Senior running back Elijah Davis will join him in the backfield. He had 12 carries for 93 yards and a score against Poly in the previous meeting.
Be sure to come back to The562.org for full coverage of the game including a highlight video and photo gallery.
