The562’s football coverage for the 2026-27 school year is sponsored by Long Beach Poly alums Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser.
The Jordan Panthers are off to a rough start in 2026. A tough non-league schedule has set them up with an 0-2 record, but the North Side is back in action tonight as they travel to Hesperia on the hunt for their first win of the season.
Jordan is still trying to find their feet under first-year Head Coach Rashaad Penny, who took over a young Panthers squad. Despite the early losses, the North has still shown promise on the gridiron.
Senior Sama’Jay Jackson will continue to be a threat for Jordan. Jackson has proven himself to be an offensive threat as a receiver, scoring a touchdown on a 23-yard play against Compton. The senior finished with seven catches and 106 receiving yards that game.
Quarterback Caydyn Hampton will also continue working for the Panthers. Hampton has shown he can be dynamic on the ground and in the air, running in a 12-yard score against Compton in Jordan’s season-opener.
On the other side, Hesperia is off to a winning start. The Scorpions enter this game with a 2-0 record, looking to stay undefeated through Week 3.
Through their early wins, Hesperia has dominated on both sides of the ball. The Scorpions kicked off their season with a 43-21 win over Palmdale and most recently shut out Jurupa Hills in a 34-0 victory.
With the entire Panthers squad hungry for their first win of 2026, Jordan will look to sharpen their game as they play under Friday Night Lights. The North has consistently scored 13 points in each of their first two games, allowing 88 points on the defensive side. Jordan will look to be stronger on offense while also tightening the defense against a productive Hesperia offense.
Friday’s game at Hesperia is just one in a long month on the road for J-Town. The Panthers don’t return back to the North Side until Sept. 25 when they host Cabrillo. Penny and his squad will continue using these tough contests to prepare for Moore League action as the season continues.
