Long Beach Poly football inspired by Jaden Hernandez’s sacrifice as two-way star – Press Telegram

LONG BEACH – When Jaden Hernandez started his freshman season on the Long Beach Poly football team, he said he barely knew how to do the three-point stance.

However, with his willingness to learn, the 6-foot-5 (220-pound) tight end/running back/defensive end/punter has quickly become the two-way star the Jackrabbits roster needs.

“I want to play tight end in college, but that’s not my plan, it’s God’s plan.” Hernandez said. “So I have to go wherever God takes me.”

Hernandez, who transferred from Los Alamitos, has six total offensive goals (four rushing, two receiving). Defensively, he has a team-high 12 hurries and is among the team leaders in tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (4.5).

“He can do anything,” Long Beach Poly coach Stephen Barbee said. “He is a blessing to have on this program. He’s a very dominant player, whether it’s on the defensive end or the offensive end, playing defense, running back and blocking. “There really isn’t much he hasn’t done.”

Hernandez said he doesn’t mind versatility being his calling card.

“Wherever the team needs me, I just have to fulfill my duty and make my 1/11,” Hernandez continued.

Long Beach Poly (6-5) will play at Oxnard Pacifica (7-4) in the CIF-Southern Division Division 4 football playoff quarterfinals on Friday night.

“I think (Pacifica) has some good players, but I think we have a much better game plan to beat this team we are facing,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said junior defenders Toa Tamasoa and Pierce Tusa helped him lock in and improve his technique significantly.

“I need to focus on what I need to do, and like I said, I am grateful to the players and coaches who helped me develop this new skill defensively,” added Hernandez.

Meanwhile, Poly is the young quarterback Deuce Jefferson He threw for more than 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed for nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns.

Starting the season 0-3 and then 2-5, the Jackrabbits won four consecutive games and advanced to the second round of the play-offs.

“We’ve come a long way,” Jefferson said. “I’m enjoying the season right now, improving day by day and getting to this point. We just have to keep pushing.”

Coach Barbee He said starter Jefferson has improved greatly since Week 0.

“He’s definitely been an incredible manager of the game,” Barbee said. “Understanding what the offense needs; whether it be with the arm, passing the ball or honestly with his feet. “He’s really worked on his reading and understanding of the concepts that we teach here and being able to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers.”

Jefferson said a two-way player like Hernandez is effective on and off the field.

“She was amazing, I’m not going to lie,” Jefferson explained. “He excels all over the field. He doesn’t argue with anyone, he will go where he knows he needs to get the job done.”

“This motivates me because I see a man who is selfless,” Jefferson continued. “He is not selfish at all, and I see that I can be the same way… I learned from him not to be selfish, to go out and have fun. “He always has a smile on his face and I love that.”