No. 23 Long Beach Poly (Calif.) - Team preview / Preseason photo gallery
Strengths: There's a good chance that Poly is improved on both sides of the ball from a squad that nearly captured the Division I CIF Bowl Game. No team will have a more talented secondary that the Jackrabbitts, who feature blue-chip recruits
John Smith and
Iman Marshall, two of the top recruits in their respective classes. The team's defensive line should also be very good, led by
Jason Fao, who begins his fourth year on the school's varsity squad.
Omari Lyles should thrive at running back, given the opportunity. At nearly every position, Poly will be talented and athletic.
Question marks: In the offseason, starting quarterback Eban Jackson transferred to Narbonne. It stings, but it's not an insurmountable loss for Poly, which feels comfortable with
Tai Tiedemann lining up behind center. He filled in admirably last year. Even with Smith doubling as a receiver, Poly could use another game-changing offensive weapon. With an entirely new backfield, there may be some growing pains, for which Poly's schedule will not allow.
Outlook: Lest we forget, this Poly squad defeated Mission Viejo, St. John Bosco and Mater Dei in consecutive weeks last year to win the Pac-5 title after starting the season 1-3 including a blowout loss to Narbonne. If Poly picks up where it left off last year, it has a great chance to play for another Bowl Game -- and perhaps a national title. With expectations high, it can ill afford another slow start.
