The Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits will look to cap off their impressive playoff run with a victory over the Granite Bay Grizzlies Friday night at Home Depot Center in the Division I State Championship.
After starting the season 1-3, the Jackrabbits have reeled off 11 straight wins behind the two-headed rushing attack of Gerard Wicks and Manusamoa Luuga. The pair have combined for 2,766 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns this season.
When Poly needs to make a play in the passing game, it’s junior wide receiver Juju Smith they look for. Sophomore quarterback Tai Tiedemann has done a nice job since taking the helm and threw a touchdown in last week’s 28-7 victory over Clovis North.
The Jackrabbits defense has played great as of late and was instrumental in playoff victories over Mission Viejo, St. John Bosco and Mater Dei.
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Similarly to Poly, Granite Bay began the season 1-3. Since then, the Grizzlies has rattled off an 11-game winning streak of their own. Much like the Jackrabbits, the Grizzlies possess dual 1,000 yard rushers in senior John Cooley and junior Tony Ellison.
Senior quarterback Grant Caraway has been extremely efficient, throwing 27 touchdowns with only five interceptions.
The Granite Bay defense is led by tackling machines sophomore Cameron Smith and Mason Conen. Smith also has four interceptions this season. Other playmakers on defense include defensive back Aaron Knapp and linebacker Beau Hershberger.
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Both teams smash mouth style and emphasis on the ground game should make for a hard-hitting battle. Whichever team can control the line of scrimmage will likely be victorious.
