What Up, Long Beach?!

AND WE’RE BACK! The holiday break is over and we’re returning to Long Beach sports coverage where there’s plenty of underdog teams making some noise.

This week we’re talking about the CIF Southern Section playoff equity system and the changes that might be coming for next season with St. John Bosco and Mater Dei pulling away from the chase pack.

Lakewood is hosting the CIF Southern Section Division 8 Football Championship on Saturday at 7 p.m. and we stopped by practice this week for interview with head coach Justin Utupo (3:00), offensive coordinator Malik Zaire (5:15), defensive coordinator Vince Hernandez (14:30), team captain and defensive lineman Noah Mallon (19:20) and running back/defensive back Zion Smith (22:45).

This week we're stopping by Lakewood to interview coach Justin Utupo and a handful of players before their CIF semifinal on Friday.

This week we’re coming to you live via tape delay from Long Beach Poly football practice as we interview players and coaches after previewing the CIF Southern Section quarterfinals this week for the Jackrabbits, Millikan Rams and Lakewood Lancers.

With Long Beach Poly playing a historic game in Long Beach this week, it’s a perfect time to catch up with our friend Don Wallace who wrote ‘One Great Game’ about the Long Beach Poly and De La Salle game two decades ago.

On Friday, Lakewood is hosting a CIF Football playoff game for the first time in years while Millikan is hitting the road for a postseason opener amidst controversy for its opponent.

Long Beach Poly, Millikan and Lakewood are headed into the CIF Southern Section postseason and we’re breaking down the brackets.

This week we're breaking down what the Moore League playoff picture could look like with a key game between Wilson and Lakewood on Friday. We also debate Long Beach Poly's divisional fate considering the CIF Southern Section CalPreps playoff rankings format.

On this special edition we're talking to Long Beach water polo players and coaches before catching up with the Luke TATSU Johnson Foundation and its fundraising for cancer research.

This week on the show we’re previewing the rivalry football games coming up and talking to Lakewood girls’ volleyball opposite hitter Lala Hall.

This week we’re talking about all of the loose ends after Millikan football forfeit its wins due to an ineligible player.

Here is a recording from our live Instagram question and answer session to promote Long Beach Gives.

This week we’re talking about why Cabrillo football had to forfeit its historic start and what can be done in the future to avoid these mistakes.

This week Mike and JJ are talking about what it takes to be a high school quarterback now and their favorite under appreciated signal callers from all of the Long Beach high schools.

We're talking about how big the Long Beach Poly win at Mission Viejo is and what it means for the program and the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

We’re talking about all of the Long Beach football teams, their expectations and possible surprises in the upcoming 2022 season.

This week we’re talking to CIF Southern Section Commissioner Rob Wigod about the tough decisions he has to make in his last year on the job. We also catch up with local legend Bobby Hauck about what it’s like working at the 49er Summer Camp.

It's media day with Long Beach State women’s soccer and we're talking to junior Elysia Laramie, striker Lena Silano, coach Mauricio Ingrassia, freshman Cherrie Cox and goalkeeper Morgan Houston-Shepherd about the upcoming season.

We’re talking to Lakewood baseball alum Anthony Eyanson about going to UC San Diego, keeping life lessons in perspective and much more. We also discuss The562.org internship program with Long Beach Poly student Heidi Sek.

We interview Jordan High alum and NFL wide receiver John Ross about hosting a youth football camp in Long Beach. How important is winning and losing in high school sports? What’s it like to go to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas? How are there so many Long Beach guys at MLB All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles? 

It’s time for a new era of ‘What Up, Long Beach?!’ and the local sports community is in charge this time. Find out what that means and spread the word about new sponsorship opportunities at The562.org

Today we’re celebrating the 50th Anniversary for Title IX and talking with Long Beach Poly track and field coach Crystal Irving about a recent award.

Wilson High and Long Beach State alum Tyler Schafer talks to us about growing up as a golfer in Long Beach, losing his dad at a young age much more.

This week we’re joining you from the road as we cover Long Beach high school track and field at the CIF State Meet in Fresno. We also talk to The562.org intern and Long Beach Poly student Nina Fife for her exit interview.