Two of the top programs in Southern California lock horns Friday night at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach when the Westlake Warriors take on the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits.
Both teams head into the contest undefeated and poised for great seasons. The host Jackrabbits feature a top flight defense that the explosive Westlake offense have yet to face this season.
The Warriors opened up the season with a dominating 44-17 victory over Canyon. Westlake followed that up with a hard fought 34-27 victory over Red Mountain in Arizona.
2016 All-American QB Malik Henry
The offense is led by standout class of 2016 quarterback Malik Henry. The Warriors are loaded with weapons. In the backfield, junior Chase Jasmin has carried the load, rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Henry has distributed the ball to several receivers. Theo Howard has shined with 10 catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
2015 All-American DB Iman Marshall
Howard and the Westlake receivers will have their hands full with LB Poly's lockdown secondary featuring Iman Marshall, Colin Samuel and Justin Calhoun. Leading the Poly defense is senior defensive tackle Joseph Wicker, who already has 10 sacks through two games.
LB Poly rolled Crenshaw in the opener 54-14 and defeated Narbonne 34-21 last week.
The Jackrabbits offense is led by quarterback Josh Love and running back Jeremy Calhoun. Love has been highly efficient this season, completing over 74% of his passing attempts for 395 yards and three touchdowns while Calhoun has rumbled for 168 yards on 31 carries. Jackie Jones leads the receiving corps with 10 catches.
It will be interesting to see if Malik Henry and the Warriors offense will have success against Poly's stout defense. CLA will be on the sidelines to document the action.
