Long Beach Poly football inspired by Jaden Hernandez’s sacrifice as a two-way player – 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, thanks to his willingness to learn, the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder has quickly become the two-way star the Jackrabbits roster needs. He plays tight end and running back on offense, defensive end and punter on defense.

“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 to Poly 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’s glad versatility is 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 quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Chapter Division 4 football playoffs 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.

Another Poly player who has improved greatly this season is the young point guard Deuce Jefferson, He has thrown for more than 2,000 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. He also rushed for nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns.

After starting the season 0-3 and then 2-5, the Jackrabbits won four straight games and Jefferson played a big role in the turnaround.

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

Barbecue 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 worked really hard on understanding the reads and the concepts that are being taught here and being able to get the ball in our quarterbacks’ hands.”

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’ll 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’s not even close to being selfish, 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.”