Long Beach Poly's Darius Curry, Kamarie Smith deliver game-winning TD over Mission Viejo
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Long Beach Poly got 'em again.
Mission Viejo scored 22-unanswered points in the second half, including a Travis Anderson pick-six, that seemed to take the wind out of Poly's sails.
Poly's Darius Curry was unfazed.
The Colorado State-bound quarterback connected with wideout Kamarie Smith on a 61-yard touchdown before connecting again on an 11-yard hookup with 28 seconds left to finish off a 32-28 comeback victory at Veterans Memorial Stadium Friday night.
It's the second straight season Long Beach Poly (2-1) has beaten Mission Viejo (2-1). The Jackrabbits won 35-30 last season.
Curry finished with 305 yards passing and four total touchdowns, including three passing to Smith. Smith, who's just a sophomore, finished the game with a mind-boggling 251 receiving yards on seven catches.
The Jackrabbits (2-1) held a 17-6 lead at halftime, capitalizing on Mission Viejo's two first-half turnovers, including an interception in the end zone that led to a Poly touchdown on the ensuing possession.
Hinesward Lilomaiava scored on a 22-yard run to bring Mission Viejo within 17-14 before Travis Anderson's 64-yard pick-six gave the Diablos a 21-17 lead in the third quarter. Lilomaiava scored again in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard run to create a 28-17 advantage.
Curry's 61-yard strike to Smith brought Poly within 28-25 with 4:47 to play before Curry got the ball again for the final, game-winning drive.
PLAYERS INJURED
The game had two long delays due to injuries to Long Beach Poly players. Both required attention from the ambulance. Senior lineman Michael Salinas was carted off the field in the first quarter with a lower-leg injury, and freshman Donte Wright Jr. was carted off the field in the third quarter with a neck injury.
Images below by Heston Quan:
Photo by Heston Quan
Photo by Heston Quan
Photo by Heston Quan
