All-CIF QB Pete Tereschuk

By Rick Arthur

"There's no reason to be ashamed," explained Poly High's cheerleader to his school's disappointed fans at Veterans Stadium Friday night.

He was right. Although the Jackrabbits suffered a heartbreaking 14-7 Moore League loss to Lakewood, they finally put together four quarters of good football, only to lose in the final minutes.

The crowd of 7,500 saw the Jackrabbits shock the Lancers for three periods, fighting to retain a 7-7 tie, when Ken Washington's passing game faltered momentarily, and Lakewood took advantage.

Lancer safety Tom Nash snared a Washington aerial one minute into the fourth period at Poly's 43-yard line, and his team quickly marched downfield for the remaining 57 yards, capped by a 27-yard touchdown pass from Pete Tereschuk to Bill Willis for the margin of victory.

Tereschuk, diminutive Lakewood quarterback (5-9, 160lbs.), completed only three of 10 attempts. Two provided TD's, however, and coupled with Paul Gorham's two PAT kicks, that was enough.

Poly signal-caller Washington clicked on 18 of 27 passes for 192 yards, including a 4-yard TD throw to favorite receiver Marty Patterson in the first period.

Both teams scored on their second possession of the game, Tereschuk throwing 19 yards to Dan Bresnahan, and Washington combining with Patterson.

Poly had two notable chances to break the early tie, but both were dramatically halted. With 2:40 left to play in the first half, the Rabbits started from their own 39-yard line, driving to Lakewood's three before time ran out. Four Washington passes paced the march, most impressive a 42-yard combination with split end Junior Lee, in which the latter broke six tackles before being stopped.

A later Poly threat was curtailed in the third period when Washington threw his first interception. Encamped on the Lancer 16 on fourth down, Washington fired to Patterson in the end zone, but defender Dan Machisic got there first.

Outstanding efforts were turned in by a host of players, not the least of which was Lakewood's John Arce. The 6-0, 200 pounder churned for 121 of the Lancers 126 yards on the ground and repeatedly assisted on tackles. For Poly, Patterson caught 9 passes for 93 yards, while teammate Lee gained 89 yards on 4 receptions.