Long Beach, Calif. — The rivalry between Long Beach Poly and Millikan delivered another instant classic Friday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium, as the Jackrabbits narrowly escaped with a 24–22 victory in a tense Moore League showdown.Poly, dealing with injuries and roster changes, found a way to hold off a late Rams rally thanks to key defensive stands and timely execution on offense.“It was a complete team win,” said Poly head coach Justin Utupo after the game. “Our guys faced adversity all week, but they stayed together and found a way.”
Millikan struck first after recovering a botched Poly snap deep in Jackrabbit territory, converting the turnover into an early 3–0 lead with a short field goal. Poly responded behind their physical ground attack led by Steven “Budda” Hunter and Elijah “Bubba” Dawson, who combined for nearly 150 rushing yards. Quarterback Legend Galeai capped a steady drive with a play-action touchdown to Jaden Hernandez, giving Poly their first lead of the night.
Millikan’s Jonah Tuaniga helped the Rams regain momentum in the second half, throwing for over 130 yards and multiple touchdowns while keeping Poly’s defense on edge. However, a costly interception by Poly lineman Savion Day late in the second quarter proved to be a turning point. Day, who played both ways on the line, snagged the pass at the Poly 24-yard line to halt a promising Millikan drive and swing the momentum back in the Jackrabbits’ favor.
After Poly extended their lead to 24–16, Millikan fought back with a late touchdown to cut the deficit to two. The Rams lined up for a potential game-tying two-point conversion, but the Poly defense held strong, stuffing the play short of the goal line to preserve the 24–22 lead. Backup kicker Zadie Kuykendall was also a difference-maker, stepping in midgame after an injury to starter Jonas Mendoza and converting a crucial extra point that ultimately proved decisive.
What’s Next
With the win, Long Beach Poly stays undefeated in Moore League play and remains in the hunt for another league championship. Millikan, meanwhile, drops its second league game and faces a must-win matchup against Lakewood next week to keep postseason hopes alive.The rivalry continues to deliver on emotion, drama, and city pride — and Friday night’s game was no exception.
