CONSISTENCY: Poly’s varsity football team adds another victory to their undefeated season.
By Scott Field, Staff Writer
According to local newspapers, the game against Rancho Verde High School was supposed to be Riverside Poly’s first loss, and for the first half of the game, it seemed to be true. With the Bears trailing 31-17 by halftime, Head Coach Dennis Brown gave his players a quick pep talk to get his players focused. The players knew they had to step up their game when entering the second half. “We dialed up our senses, called it a zero-to-zero game and understood we needed the perfect effort from every individual,” quarterback Chandler Drachslin (12) said.
The Bears made an unbelievable comeback in the second half to keep their undefeated season alive. All of the players performed well, but running back Devontre Hale (12) stood out, breaking two Poly records with the most touchdowns made in a season and yards ran in a game. “I played at a very high level with a relentless mindset that helped to trigger a record breaking performance and the best game of my career,” Hale said. He continued, “It was both an amazing and overwhelming experience.” Hale made five of the seven touchdowns against Rancho Verde. Other receivers on the team, Ykili Ross (12) and Josh Evans (12), each scored a touchdown for the Bears. Ross made an interception in the final seconds of the game that helped solidify the Bears’ win. The Bears were then able to clinch their victory over Rancho Verde, winning 59-45.
Not only was the team thrilled about their win, but the crowd and the student section were as well. Throughout the entire game, Poly fans enthusiastically supported their Bears. “It was a great game, and it was really fun to have a lot of students there to support the team,” student Chase Hudson (12) said.
The Bears will continue to work hard to have a perfect season and win CIF. Based on their record and past performances on the field, they are capable of doing so.