Serra vs. Long Beach Poly football is the ultimate neighborhood game

Serra holds a 6-2 record against Long Beach Poly all-time heading into Friday night

Scott Altenberg became the head football coach at Gardena Serra High in 1999. A lot has changed in prep football since then, but there are a few things that remain consistent.

One being the heated, much-anticipated matchup between Serra (2-1) and Long Beach Poly (2-1), which will face off Friday night in Gardena at 7 p.m.

"In boxing, they say, 'styles make fights'," Altenberg said. "I think that's the case in this game. Similar playing style and a lot of athleticism."

Altenberg's second point is what makes the rivalry one of SoCal's best neighborhood games.

"All these kids know each other. It's always an emotional game," Altenberg added.

Poly is ranked No. 6 and Serra is No. 11 in the SBLive Top 25 rankings.

The two programs clashed for the first time in 2012 and have met year since 2017. Serra holds a 6-2 all-time record over the Jackrabbits in the series. Long Beach won last year's bout 17-3. It's the first time the margin has ever been double digits, which shows how close each game is.

• 2012: Serra 20, LB Poly 12
• 2017: Serra 24, LB Poly 20
• 2018: Serra 29, LB Poly 25
• 2019: Serra 27, LB Poly 24
• 2021 (spring): LB Poly 27, Serra 21
• 2021 (fall): Serra 28, LB Poly 27
• 2021 (postseason): Serra 21, LB Poly 17
• 2022: LB Poly 17, Serra 3

“I truly look forward to this game,” Poly coach Stephen Barbee told the Press-Telegram. “Two great programs. The coaches and the kids know each other very well and it’s a great rivalry."

Poly pulled of a come-from-behind win over Mission Viejo last week thanks to the play of quarterback Darius Curry, who threw for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns. 

Altenberg is most concerned about Curry and line play.

"Curry is special. He cares about winning," Altenberg said. "If we can hold up, up front, I like our chances."

Serra's biggest weakness is its numbers. The school has just 180 boys in it, according to Altenberg. The varsity roster hovers in the mid 50s, but Altenberg said it's more around 40 that play.

"We're forever thin," Altenberg said laughing.

Nevertheless, the experience coached who has more than 200 wins in his coaching career, wasn't coy about the Cavs' gameplan. They're going to lean heavily in physical running back Sincere Rhaney.

"We didn't give it to him enough last year," Altenberg said. "We know our bread and butter. That's our plan."