Fans and families got a taste of next year's action at Poly on Tuesday, as the league unofficially kicked off the 2010 season.  Poly, Lakewood, Wilson and Lynwood (serving as a late substitute for Jordan) were all on the Poly practice field going 7-on-7.  And, of course, it's too early to say anything accurate about anybody, given that it's June, there were no lineman on the field (although Lakewood's Todd Barr played a little TE), and they were in shirts and shorts.  But

Also, FYI—we confirmed that the Lakewood/Poly showdown this year will be at Vet's again this year, for the second year in a row.  Looks likely that we'll have a fourth straight meeting of these teams with five-digit attendance.  "We wanted to have it at Vet's for the capacity," said Lakewood coach Thadd MacNeal, whose team will host the game.  Doubtless a win over Poly at Vet's last year made the home field decision a little easier as well.

Lakewood

Most unoccupied eyes on the field were trained on Lakewood's Tyler Schultz, set to captain this year's Lancers offense under center.  "He's coming along," said MacNeal, a QB guru who had to be patient for his starter to finish a marathon baseball season.  Schultz was the most impressive QB of the day, especially in early matchups with Wilson and Lynwood.  Given how short a time he's been on the field, his rapport with returning WR Darius Powe was surprising.  Barr was another big target on offense.

The defense was stout, and (like all the defenses) clearly itching to get the pads on—linebacker Rahim Cassell looked comfortable and in command, and Rashad Wadood looked good in coverage.

Poly

The Jackrabbits defense looked about as good as it could have without being able to, you know, tackle—Josh Fasavalu, the linebacker, looked more like a safety playing tight, with several picks on the day.  The cornerbacks, Kameron Jackson and Dabness Atkins, both made good plays on the ball, with Atkins showing off an impressive vert on a stepladder pick against Lakewood.

Offensively, it was the Jackrabbit QB Two-Step, with Chayse Hales and Emmanuel Lara trading series—they complemented each other well enough to almost look good as situational options, with Hales throwing the quick-drop passes and Lara coming in to drop bombs.  Earnest Pettway and Randall Goforth were the primary targets, with Richard Smith hauling in some long passes.

"I was happy with our focus and our execution," said Poly coach Raul Lara.  "It was better than it was last week."

Wilson

The Bruins have the most growing up to do, but their quarterback, the Moore League's elder statesman at the position, Brett Harper, looked sure-footed.  Like Schultz, Harper is a late arrival from his school's baseball team, but he seems to be on the same page with a few receivers, and his best weapon (his feet), was unavailable to him in the passing league format.  Wilson coach Mario Morales said  Harper is working on his release point, but that the coaching staff is pleased with his progress.

On the defensive side, the Bruins seemed a little shakier, with a chunk of defensive backs missing due to summer vacations.  The linebacking corps looked pretty good, with Daniel Ludwig and Jede Fue both making plays, and seeming to have a good feel for the system.