INGLEWOOD, Ca. — Inglewood defeated Long Beach Poly 36-10 Friday night at SoFi Stadium, but the final score told only part of the story.
For the young athletes representing both schools, the nonleague matchup provided an opportunity to compete inside an NFL stadium, experience a professional football environment and create a memory that could last long after their high school careers end.
The stadium was larger than their usual Friday night setting. The lights were brighter, the surroundings were unfamiliar and the moment carried a different weight. Inglewood walked away with the victory, but the opportunity belonged to every athlete who stepped onto the field.
The win improved Inglewood to 4-1, while Long Beach Poly fell to 1-4.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Before the game, Long Beach Poly associate head coach Keith Anderson spoke about what the experience meant to the Jackrabbits.
“It’s actually a great experience for the kids,” Anderson said. “They work hard each and every week, each and every day. So, to be able to play in a venue like this, for these kids, it’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Most high school athletes will not play professional football. Some may continue at the college level, while others will play their final organized game before graduating. That reality made Friday night about more than winning or losing.
“Not all these kids will be fortunate enough to play in the NFL on Sundays,” Anderson said. “For some of them, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Anderson said Poly prepared through its game plan and film study. Once the players arrived at SoFi, the message was to remain focused and make the most of the moment.
“We just asked them to come out here, give 100 percent and take advantage of being here,” Anderson said.
Poly Returns to SoFi
Friday’s game continued SoFi Stadium’s growing tradition of giving high school athletes a professional stage.
The stadium hosted its first high school football game in 2023, when Warren defeated Downey 28-21. For Long Beach Poly, Friday marked a return to SoFi for the second time. The Jackrabbits first played there in 2024, losing 49-14 to Mission Viejo.
SoFi also hosted St. John Bosco’s 27-17 victory over Servite and the East L.A. Classic between Garfield and Roosevelt that year. Additional Southern California programs played at the stadium in 2025.
Complimentary tickets for Friday’s game were distributed through the schools with support from the Hollywood Park Foundation, allowing students and families to share the experience. The field is also scheduled to host Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.
Inglewood Establishes Its Offense
Once the game began, Inglewood’s running attack became one of the clearest differences between the teams.
Senior running back Semaj Welch, who wears No. 4, entered the matchup averaging 102.5 rushing yards per game. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound back displayed his physical running style during the third quarter when he powered through Poly’s defense and into the end zone.
Senior running back Marlon Watson, No. 8, gave Inglewood another option out of the backfield. Watson entered the game averaging 95 rushing yards per contest. Together, the two backs gave Inglewood a combination of strength and speed that allowed the Sentinels to control the pace.
Inglewood also found success through the air. Senior receiver Brandon Crawford, No. 3, scored a touchdown, while junior receiver Andre Williams, No. 10, also reached the end zone. Their production showed that Poly could not focus solely on stopping the running game.
The Jackrabbits had a harder time establishing their own rushing attack. Without consistent yardage on the ground, Poly struggled to stay on schedule offensively and sustain momentum.
Inglewood also committed several penalties that helped Poly move the ball and extend possessions. Those mistakes gave the Jackrabbits additional opportunities, even when their offense was having difficulty creating yardage.
Poly Continues to Fight
Poly’s defense still produced moments of resistance.
Sophomore cornerback and wide receiver Logan Kirk, No. 21, delivered one of the biggest hits of the game against an Inglewood receiver. The collision briefly stunned the Sentinels’ offense and brought energy to Poly’s sideline.
It was a physical reminder that the Jackrabbits had not stopped competing, but the play was not enough to change the direction of the game.
Poly continued showing fight until the end. After entering the fourth quarter with only a field goal, the Jackrabbits scored a late touchdown to bring their total to 10 points.
The score did not alter the outcome, but it showed that Poly’s athletes remained engaged and continued competing through the final quarter. That effort reflected Anderson’s pregame message to give 100 percent and take full advantage of the opportunity.
Intensity From Inglewood’s Sideline
Coach Bats served as Inglewood’s acting head coach while also handling his responsibilities as defensive coordinator.
His intensity remained visible throughout the game. Even after Inglewood created separation, Bats continued instructing, correcting and encouraging his athletes. He did not coach as though the game had already been decided. Every possession still appeared to matter.
After the game, Bats said the Sentinels prepared for Poly through film study. He also described playing at SoFi Stadium as a special experience for the athletes and coaches because it allowed them to feel like professionals for a night.
Although the contest did not count toward the league standings, Bats viewed it as valuable preparation for league competition. His approach showed that Inglewood could appreciate the moment without losing sight of the work required to improve.
A Memory Beyond the Final Score
The scoreboard told the competitive story. Inglewood’s balanced offense controlled the game, while Poly struggled to produce the same consistency.
But the scoreboard could not measure what it felt like for the athletes to enter SoFi Stadium and compete on the same field used by professional players. It could not capture what the moment meant to their coaches, families and communities.
Years from now, the players may not remember every possession, penalty or missed opportunity. They will remember playing beneath SoFi Stadium’s bright lights.
Inglewood earned the victory. Both teams earned a memory the final score could not take away.