By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor Poly didn’t just dominate visiting Mary Star of the Sea on Saturday, they embarrassed them. The Panthers (2-1-1) held an insurmountable 49-0 lead at the half. That is bad enough on its own. What made it worse, however, was the Stars weren’t even able to muster enough momentum to get […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
Poly didn’t just dominate visiting Mary Star of the Sea on Saturday, they embarrassed them.
The Panthers (2-1-1) held an insurmountable 49-0 lead at the half.
That is bad enough on its own.
What made it worse, however, was the Stars weren’t even able to muster enough momentum to get one first down.
Thomas McConnell got the Panthers off to a great start when he picked off a pass and brought it back 20 yards for a touchdown.
Cameron McFarlane would score two of next three TD’s with runs of 11 and 72 yards.
In previous weeks, Graham Olson had split time with Mattt Loomis at quarterback, but with Loomis out with a concussion, Olson stepped up and delivered.
He threw three TD passes.
Olson hit Jackson Hayes on scoring strikes of 17 and 7 yards, and then just before the end of the first half, he also connected with Christian Henderson from 18 yards out.
Jackson Treister scored twice on runs of 9 and 7 yards.
And Matt Queen booted a 45-yard field goal to account for the Poly offense.
With the good also came the bad.
For what seems at least a few weeks in a row, the Panthers had multiple TD’s called back on penalties.
But coach Chris Schmoke and receiver-defensive back Jackson Hayes believe it’s more of a result of being aggressive and not a lack of discipline.
Either way, both know and want to eliminate penalties, at least in the number they’ve been getting of late.
Poly will now make an 85-mile bus ride to Rosamond next Saturday for an 8 p.m. kickoff.
All involved were really happy with the diversity of their offense in terms of the number of kids who scored.
They also mentioned the communication and chemistry has really picked up of late.
Quotable:
Poly coach Chris Schmoke: “We have to clean that (penalties) up and keep working on it every day in practice. I think we’ve been sputtering to a start offensively and we’re just starting to see the potential.”
Poly senior Cameron McFarlane: “I was really happy with the young guys stepping up. Everything just came together this week at practice. I am happy with the way we’re growing as a team.”
Poly senior Christian Henderson: “I was calm and able to execute. As a team, we all played as one. I felt like the team was disappointed from last week, and we were eager to get back out there. Our communication is something we’ve worked on in practice.”
Poly senior Graham Olson: “We have a lot of athletes and I wanted to get the ball to them and let them do what they do. I love both positions (quarterback, defensive end), so I’ll go where they need me. Right now, I think they need me more at quarterback.”
Poly senior Jackson Hayes: “I thought we were blocking well and being aggressive. We came together as a team. There is a different playmaker every game. We have so many threats and can give the ball to anyone.”
Scoring:
P: Thomas McConnell 20 interception return (Matt Queen kick)
P: Cameron McFarlane 11 run (Matt Queen kick)
P: Jackson Hayes 17 pass from Graham Olson (Matt Queen kick)
P: Cameron McFarlane 72 run (Matt Queen kick)
P: Jackson Treister 9 run (Matt Queen kick)
P: Christian Henderson 18 pass from Graham Olson (Matt Queen kick)
P: Jackson Hayes 8 pass from Graham Olson (Matt Queen kick)
P: Matt Queen 45 FG
P: Jackson Treister 7 run (run was good)
Prep League Standings:
Rio Hondo Prep (2-1)
Poly (2-1-1)
Trinity Classical Academy (1-2)
Firebaugh (1-3)
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