Rashaun Haylock:

Statements like, “we are loaded,” “we are going to be very good,” and “we think we can win a national title” weren’t exacty the kinds of words we heard Long Beach Poly head coach Raul Lara use this time last year.  Instead he said things like “if anyone is going to beat us, this is the year,” and “we’re young.” 

It was just assumed, Poly is Poly and they would be still be a contender.  However, last season, wasn’t the type of year we were accustomed to seeing Poly have. 

The Jackrabbits finished the regular season 5-5, barely squeking into the playoffs, and did not own at least a share of a league title for the first time since 1991. 

With Coach Lara making statements to Rivals like the former, we can only believe one thing: Poly is back.  Rivals has Poly ranked as the number one team in the state and number two nationally in their Top 100.  After having to replace 11 starters on the defensive end a season ago, the Jackrabbits will return nine starters on the defensive side this fall. 

Nevermind a Moore League title for Poly this season, Lara has his sights set on returning to the national level, telling Rivals “I really want to win that national title.” As Lara put it, “only time will tell.”