Gardena, CA – Serra holding the lead 24-20 with 4:58 left on the clock after Long Beach Poly scored on a Matt Corral quarterback sneak to mount a comeback in the regular season finally.
That was all put on hold when Serra defense led by Merlin Robertson stopped Poly on 4th & 5 from the 11 yard line. Then Serra run out the clock after few first downs for the victory.
Serra defense made plays in the end to secure the win getting that final stop after allowing 13 unanswered points in the 4th quarter.
This matchup lived up to its top billing as it was circled on most players calendars a great win to have to springboard into the playoffs.
Blaze Mckibbin Serra quarterback was pressured all night by Poly front seven. He still managed to throw two big touchdowns in the game ending with a back shoulder comeback to Kobe Smith. The first one went to linebacker who was playing in slot on offense Merlin Robertson.
“It could be my last game out on this field, so I had to leave it all out on this field,” said Merlin Robertson, “We needed this win tonight.”
As for Poly they started the game with true freshman Jake Garcia at quarterback who on the first play from scrimmage dropped a 59 yard touchdown and quick 7-0 lead over Serra.
Most may have wonder where was highly decorated Matt Corral who was benched to start the game due to discipline reason undisclosed. But once he did enter the game the tempo picked up noticeably.
Serra linebacker Justin Patterson scored the team last touchdown with he intercepted a screen pass and walked in endzone.
The 4th quarter had the players and the fans on their feet with Serra’s defense being the Goat. Poly was stopped on well designed play action screen that was sniffed out by safety Bryan Addison.
Now Serra should be assured an at-large bid from the Mission League to the southern section playoffs, while Poly was already the Moore League champs so they will host a first road game.
