Haak says Poly by 21
You remember former Tribune sports writer Joe Haakenson, the man who came up with "Haak's Locks," when he picked NFL games for us. The former Angels and Clippers beat writer is now the sports editor at the Long Beach Press Telegram, and lets just say we made a friendly "Happy Hour" wager on Friday's Long Beach Poly-Bishop Amat game. He said Poly wins by 21, but agreed to give me 15 points.

Look at Haak, he's the man, but he loses this bet on Friday :)
Next Up: Wednesday we'll post a special edition of the two-minute drill, which will include the scouting guru joining Reginald Miller, Steve Ramirez, and myself. I'll also post my final four and championship predictions...stay tuned.
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I don't think that Amats line on either side of the ball matches Poly's size or depth. I wrote this on another blog
Their passing attack is not dramatic and they rely on yards-after-catch and an occasional play action. Their RBs are not BIG guys like Barr, although Richardson runs strong.
in the trenches is where a LARGE enrollment school like LB Poly really starts to build some advantage. With over 4,700 students enrolled, it just increases the odds that your going to find a bunch of 250lb lineman to open some holes.
That being said, our size and depth didn't match up with OLu or Crespi either. A great comparison, however, is our line on both sides of the ball and St Bonaventure - who gave the Jackrabbits their toughest game of the year, holding poly to one touchdown before losing 12-7. That game was played the same night as Amat/DR, so they showed some highlights on the post game broadcast.
With under :30 to go, on a 4th and 3 at the 15 Bonnies threw a pass into the end zone that was either a great interception by Poly... or a pass interference if the game is in Ventura instead of Long Beach.
Interesting fact... the St Bonnie Principal and former AD was one of Coach Hagerty's basketball coaches when he played at Amat in the day. You can be sure they've talked with that staff and are getting some help from the Seraph's.
Doe Amats Oline have the strength and weight to contain these big D-lineman that Poly has? Does Amat have great skill technique in blocking? If not, they will get blown off on both sides of the ball. I really think Amats O-line is too Small for that Poly Front four. Polys O-line is quicker off the ball and should have no troubles with Amats front 3 or four. Linebackers and secondary of Amat will be chasing Polys Ruynning Backs all nite because Poly will win the war of lineman in the trenches.
J-ROB,
Poly's defense IS real good.
If Haak is giving 21 or 15 does not matter Amat gets shut out and Poly will score more then 21. Take this bet to the bank, this one is a lock.
I do not know how much Poly will score but one thing I do know is Amat shut out by this defense. Amat will not score in this game. Poly defense is that good, trust me Amat will not score.
Artie's worth about 500 million I think... he's the Fonz as far as I'm concerned :-)
Look at ART MORENO... He thinks he's the FONZ.LOL...
The team is really focused this week. Amat should be ready to play.
LB-34 poly-0 werd up
Fred,
I just remember stuff...It's a curse !:?) Tried to get to know something about our SGV writers. Like did you know that Gabe Laques went to high school with Trent Dilfer in Aptos? Sorry... I can't help it!
I wrote this back on the night in August that LB Poly opened their season clear across the country in Florida...
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An old friend from Miami just called and said the Pac-5 is in a little trouble. LB Poly just ran all over preseason #1 in the nation Miami Northwestern.
Northwestern prides itself on its speed, but the rain from Gustav may have neutralized that a bit. The only ray of hope may be that Poly showed no passing game at all.
Posted by: Joe Amat | August 30, 2008 9:56 PM
http://www.insidesocal.com/tribpreps/2008/08/cif_preseason_p_1.html#comment-1750751
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So it's only fitting that the Lancers get to face Poly. What a GREAT opportunity to really test how far we've come.. and where we need to go. The result will either culminate or extend a great season for Amat as the *begin* their rise back to being mentioned among the elite.
We're may not be there yet... but we're back in the team picture.
This Friday represents a big step. Let's make it a step forward!
Good luck
You're amazing Joe, how the heck did you know he went to Royal Oak? He was also a champion 98-pound wrestler.
JoeAmat,
I'd wear the hat in the second round but Poly whacks Amat on Friday night. I'll take the Jackrabbits straight up.
FJR,
What does Haak know? He's just a little old Royal Oak guy !:?)
Either way you two guys can drown your sorrows about both of you losing your Alma Maters !:?)
Seriously... getting 15 pts is a nice wager! Maybe we can get him AND Miguel in Amat Blue and Gold (and not that "Old Gold" like the Romans were!)