Welcome to Diablo Stadium, where the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits will face the defending Division 1-A State Champion Mission Viejo Diablos. This California clash of powerhouse football programs is a highly anticipated matchup in the 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

The two teams met for the first time in 2004 and have since battled nine times leading up to their upcoming matchup. The Diablos hold a commanding 6-3 lead in the all-time series, but the Jackrabbits look to take one step closer to evening out the series. Last season was a step in the right direction for Long Beach Poly as they knocked off Mission Viejo in a thrilling 32-28 victory. 

Neither team is a stranger to success, with the two teams combining for a 23-5 record last season. These historic programs have also produced NFL talent, including quarterback Mark Sanchez from Mission Viejo. The Jackrabbits are also home to Super Bowl-winning receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and the electric three-time Pro-Bowler DeSean Jackson. 

Mark your calendars for October 4th, when 5,000 fans will be on the edge of their seats for what promises to be another thrilling matchup. 

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MVP

Hinesward Lilomaiava
Mission Viejo

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Cash Semonza

Mission Viejo

Cash is a 3rd year letterman receiver for the Diablos. Cash is the perfect Student Athlete with a 4.1 GPA. His character aligns with academic and athletic prowess. Not only an ace in the classroom, but an ace on the field, being a vital player on the team. He is the perfect model for what it means to be a Diablo!
Rhys Lundy

Long Beach Poly

Rhys Lundy is a senior at Long Beach Poly who truly embodies the spirit of a scholar-athlete. Excelling in Poly’s prestigious Center for International Curriculum (CIC) program, Rhys has maintained an impressive 4.5 GPA while tackling a demanding academic schedule. His grit and dedication extend beyond the classroom, as he has been a committed member of Poly’s legendary football program for four years and lettering for three. Rhys is also a midfielder for Poly’s Varsity Lacrosse team and participates in several clubs, even initiating his own club called “Athletes For Initiative” to inspire children to get involved in sports as a way to enhance their mental and physical well-being. Rhys’s experience as a scholar athlete at LB Poly has made an indelible impact that will surely carry on even as he takes his next steps towards university.

GAME SUMMARY

In a thrilling matchup under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium on October 4, 2024, Mission Viejo defeated Long Beach Poly in dominating fashion with a 49-14 victory, overcoming a previous two-season streak losing to the Jackrabbits. With the players and coaches emphasizing the importance of this game and the experience of a lifetime playing at SoFi, the Diablos ran for 378 yards and five touchdowns. The MVP of the game Hinesward Lilmaiava led the Diablos with 170 yards, alongside another player, Davonte Curtis running 109 yards and three touchdowns. Both teams saw interceptions on their opening drives, but Mission Viejo scored first in the first quarter with a run by Davonte Curtis. By the second half, the Diablo defense stopped any comeback attempts from Long Beach Poly. This game brought Mission Viejo to a 7-game win streak so far this season and the team is excited to have this winning energy to their future games!