After two weeks of non-league games for the Moore League, it’s becoming apparent that this year is shaping up a little different. Poly already has a blemish on their record. Compton has outscored two opponents 125-7. And guess who’s 2-0? The mighty Panthers of Jordan, who have dodged two fourth quarter two-point conversion attempts by their opponents. The countdown to league play has begun with as many questions as answers. For example …

FADE AWAY
We’re not second guessing Mayfair coach Mike Fitch’s decision to go for a touchdown with a second remaining and down 14-0 against Lakewood. To that point, the Monsoon offense had only mustered three first downs, one on a penalty. If Mayfair was going to have a chance, this was the moment, but four fade routs to the same receiver on one drive? I mean, with the ball on the three-yard line with a second left, you throw a fade? I understand “if its working go back to it,” but Lakewood safety Cedric Moore was gradually shifting to the play side. By the time Mayfair ran the same play for the fourth time, quarterback Jordan Lane had to throw it over two defenders. That gave defensive back Chris Atkins a chance to knock the ball out of receiver Jordan Wilson’s hands, and that was pretty much the game.

MULTIPLE LOOKS
Last week Poly had trouble protecting their quarterback Morgan Fennell. To be honest, the Poly offensive line had trouble doing much of anything. This week was a different story, though, as they cleared wide lanes for running backs Ricky Johnson, Cory Westbrook and Melvin Richardson. The Three Horseman combined for 31 carries and 240 yards against Newport Harbor and coach Raul Lara has now seen three different Poly offenses. In week one, they passed their way to victory. In week two they couldn’t get anything going in a loss to Birmingham and this week they ran over and around the competition. Which Poly will show up next week?

GO GO GADGET
The Jordan Panthers had the ball near midfield as the first half of their game against Diamond Bar wound to a close. “We ran the Boise State hook-and-lateral play to perfection,” said Coach Scott Meyer, “but there was a horrible block in the back call … even the ref on our side said it was a bad call.” Two things come to mind. One, how many years until top-ranked high school football involves instant replay? And two, since when did Boise State get all the credit for “inventing” the hook-and-lateral and the Statue of Liberty plays? I suppose if you can make both of them work in the most exciting college football upset of the decade, you get the credit.

Tags: Sports